Figs: How did early Italian immigrants prepare fig cuttings for long ocean voyages?

Figs: Email question from Marla of Sulphur Springs, AR

I participate in a master gardener fig study which includes occasional programs on how to propagate fig cuttings. We are very curious as to how Italian immigrants handled the cuttings they originally brought from Italy to the U.S. Do you have any insight about how the cuttings were handled? Were they waxed or oiled, to preserve them until planting out? Periodically moistened? wrapped in damp cloth? We are so curious! Would love to hear how the early immigrants prepared fig cuttings for extended transport - before the era of plastic wrap - many thanks! Marla J.-O.

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Here is a video answer from our archives:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkitNv36F0A

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