"J. P.," Dixon, Solano co., Cal., says : " Oblige me by the following information if you can : Out here in California we have several varieties of figs. A few of them are good for marker undried, but are perfectly useless for commerce. This climate is undoubtedly the best for figs in the world, perfectly dry and free from summer rains. They grow their two crops very abundantly. Taking these facts under consideration California yet does not raise any figs for export, and the reason of this is that we have not the proper sorts at command. I believe ere long California will rival the world in exporting dried figs. Now, what I want to know is about the dried figs that come from Europe, their names, habits and where to be had. The true fig of commerce is what is needed here, and when introduced properly you will hear of the great strides of fig growing on this coast".

[We have never understood that it was necessary to use any particular variety of fig in drying. The Smyrna fig, the one commonly used for drying in that part of the world, is also to be had in nurseries. It must not be forgotten that no fig will dry properly in its natural condition. In fig-drying countries each fig is dipped in scalding hot lye before it is placed in the sun to dry. This causes the pores to open and the fruit rapidly loses its moisture after this treatment. The lye is made from the ashes of the fig tree, all pruning being carefully saved for that purpose. - Ed.G.M].