=The Figs= are borne directly behind the leaves in short clusters any time from December to March and there is a heavy crop. They are about 1½ inches long and 1¼ wide, bluntly pear-shaped with ¾-1 inch stalks. When ripe they are various shades of red and orange to almost purple, rarely uniformly coloured throughout, and covered densely with short straight hairs like plush. They are much eaten by the natives, especially by children and are certainly the best eating though much spoilt by the fertilising fly. Sheep and goats relish them. [Illustration] =FICUS ITEOPHYLLA= Miq.—_Shiriya, Shirinya_. MORACEAE. A very well known species of fig tree distinguished by its long narrow leaves and long clusters of small figs. It grows to great sizes, over 40 feet high and with girths of 15 feet. It varies considerably in form from a tall narrow tree to one with enormous flat-topped crown 75 feet in diameter. The foliage is superficial and the shade is not very good. The bole is short, gnarled or compound, and there are many roots trailing over the ground for several feet from the base of the tree in old examples. The branches of younger trees are very erect and it is only in old age that the large spreading form is assumed. It often starts life as a parasite, the seeds being carried by birds to a crevice in another tree which it gradually surrounds and smothers. It is not unlike _F. Kawuri_, whose leaves are, however, slightly broader and whose figs are hairy and reddish. =The Bark= is a creamy colour and a few grey scales are scattered here and there over it, giving it a mottled appearance. The bark is smooth. =The Leaves= are 3-4 inches long and an inch wide with an inch stalk. They gradually widen from the base upwards and suddenly narrow to a point. The upper surface is dark, shiny green and the mid-rib and leaf stalk are very light green. The under surface is lighter in colour. The mid-rib is prominently raised on the underneath only. The margin is slightly waved. The leaves are arranged spirally in clusters of about 20 on the last 3-4 inches of the twigs, presenting a whorled arrangement. =The Figs= are in 3-9 inch long clusters on the otherwise bare twigs, though they may be borne on the tree when it is in leaf. They are just over ¼ inch in diameter and when ripe are green with a red tint, round and the surface covered with small warts. They are eaten by birds which distribute the seeds to other trees where the tree starts life as a parasite. The crop of figs is a very heavy one. [Illustration] =FICUS KAWURI= Hutch.—_Kawuri_. MORACEAE.