North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

["Doc Lisenby" <longdistshtr@shtc.net>]

Down here in fig country we sometimes find it necessary to plant figs next 
to concrete foundations so the roots can get away from root nematodes.  We 
also plant them with the upper part of the plastic pot in which they were 
rooted so the nematodes can't get to them until they are large enough to 
avoid nematode damage.(nematodes don't like to go deep)  Clay soil seems to 
keep them under control but sandy soil harbors them. Figs will respond to 
rich soil by producing leaves rather than fruit, so keep that in mind when 
you plant them.  They seem to like a lot of water but not soggy, boggy 
locations.

About the Parafilm; it was developed for use in medical laboratories to 
temporarily seal test tubes, etc.  I haven't ordered any in years but your 
search for it should keep that in mind.
There are plenty of lab techs and workers who could be your source of 
supply.  We had to order it by the case so the supply room in hospitals 
could be a source for nurses, etc.  I'm not suggesting you schlep them but 
it may give you an idea of where you can get one or two rolls. In 
California, being as med tech courses are inexpensive, it might be worth 
your while to take a course.
Also,  there is a new adhesive tape which is used these days to hold the 
pledget of gauze on the venipuncture site of a victim of blood-letting for 
diagnostic purposes which has possibilities of being used as a budding (and 
maybe grafting )tape.  It is green (may be other colors) and is very 
stretchy.  Its purpose is to prevent screams and curses from ripping the old 
adhesive tape off of hairy men.  Donate some blood to the Red Cross and ask 
the person drawing the blood for a roll and tell them if they won't give you 
one that you won't give them any more blood.  The VA is still using the 
cheap old tape for the purpose of degrading hairy veterans' egos. 
Demonstrate your knowledge of modern medicine by calling the person who 
draws blood, a "phlebotomist" and watch his/her eyes light up.  You can get 
more with a cute smile and respect for a person's profession than you can 
with money or a gun.
Doc