a method used in the Levant, for ripening the fruit of the domestic fig-tree, by means of insects bred in that of the wild fig-tree.

It is said, that these figs will never come to maturity, unless wounded by the insects depositing their eggs. Possibly the reason of this effect, may be their lacerating the vessels of the fruit, and thereby deriving thither a greater quantity of nutritious juice.

Plumbs and pears, wounded in the same manner, are found to ripen sooner, and the pulp about the wound has a more exquisite taste than the rest.