Nouvelle Instruction Facile pour la Culture des Figuiers Ou l'on apprend la maniere de les elever, multiplier & conserver, tant en Caisses, qu'autrement Avec un Traite de la Culture des Fleurs.
12mo. (6), 164, (4) pp. Bound in contemporary mottled calf somewhat rubbed; restored at extremities; interior excellent.
Very rare first edition of a manual on the cultivation of figs by the chief horticulturist to Louis XIV. As far as we can ascertain, this volume is one of the earliest modern works devoted exclusively to the cultivation of the fig-tree.
The author begins with a thorough overview of types and hybrids (e.g. Bourjassote, Melingue, Vernisingue, Brugeotte) before finally recommending simple figuiers blanches as the most delectable variety. He next discusses ideal growing conditions (soil content, fertilizers, sunlight exposure etc.); explains the proper techniques for cutting, grafting, pruning and winter preservation; and demonstrates how to cultivate the tree first en caisse, i.e. potted, and then as a shrub or on climbing espaliers. A final chapter extols—slightly less systematically—the vaunted literary history and gastronomic benefits of the tree, whose leaves clothed Adam and Eve after their péché originel, and whose fruit presently contributes “à la vigueur des jeunes gens & à la sante des vieillards.”
Though his name does not appear on the title-page, the preface attributes authorship to M. Garnier, “Jardinier du Roi à la pepiniere,” as well as to the Director of the Royal Gardens, Gilles Ballon. Both were also responsible for a revised edition of a monograph on the cultivation of oranges, Nouveau traité des orangers et citronniers, no doubt informed by their experience tending the landscaped arboreta of Versailles—especially Louis’ labyrinthine orange gardens. A second, shorter part of the work addresses the cultivation and arrangement of flowers grown together in contemporary gardens, primarily anemones, carnations, tulips and buttercups.
OCLC: UC Berkeley, UC Davis, Nat. Agr. Lib, Oak Spring Garden, Chicago Botanical.
* Not in Hunt.
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