nor is it practised in places which face north nor in those with light soils, as at Phalykos[1] in the Megarid, nor in certain parts of the district of Corinth. Also conditions as to wind make a difference the fruit is shed more with northerly than with southerly winds, and this also happens more if the winds are cold and frequent.[2] Moreover the character of the tree itself makes a difference; for some kinds, such as the Laconian and other such kinds, shed their early[3] figs but not the later ones. Wherefore caprification is not practised with these. Such are the changes to which the fig is subject in respect of locality kind and climatic conditions.
[4]Now the gall-insects come, as has been said, out fig, and they are engendered from the seeds. The proof given of this is that, when they come out, there are no seeds left in the fruit; and most of them in coming out leave a leg or a wing behind. There is another kind of gall-insect which is called kentrines; these insects are sluggish, like drones, they kill those of the other kind who are entering the figs, and they themselves die in the fruit. The black kind of wild fig which grows in rocky places is most commended for caprification, as these figs contain numerous seeds.[5] A fig which has been subject to caprification is known by being red and parti-coloured and stout, while one which has not been so treated is pale and sickly. The treatment is applied to the trees which need it, after rain. The wild figs are most plentiful and most potent
- ↑ cf. 8. 2. 11.
- ↑ ψυχρότερα καὶ πλείω conj. Sch.; τεχνοτέρα καὶ πλείων MV Ald.; τεχρότερα καὶ πλείω U.
- ↑ πρΐα conj. Sch. from G; πρῶτα Ald. H.
- ↑ Plin. 17. 255 and 256.
- ↑ i.e and so should produce more gall-insects: in C.P. 2. 9. 6 it is implied that the insect is produced by putrefaction of the seeds of the wild fig.
