The fig is the fruit of a tree botanically called Ficus Carica. The trees are small, with large, green leaves, and pear-shaped fruit, which in color varies from a dark purple to a yellowish tinge. When ripe, the cultivated fig has a soft, sweet pulp, filled with very small seeds, and is much esteemed for food, both when it is fresh and when dried or preserved. It has been used for food from very ancient times, perhaps from the time of Adam, and is frequently mentioned throughout the sacred writings.

It is also used in the preparation of laxatives. In our markets, it is sold only in its dried state; but even when dried, it is excellent for puddings and sauces; it also combines well with nuts. It contains fifty per cent. of sugar, and four per cent. of albumen.