Thank you for sharing your story.  I read it to my husband too.  I am glad that you didn't trip on that rusty fence for two reasons.  One, you were outnumbered.  And two, maybe one day some of those cuttings will be available to the folks here.  I am sure Emilio is looking down and happy that someone that cares is keeping that fig tree genetics alive.  *Also, listen to your wife more.  :0)

Great story.....The things we do for cuttings

Wow, great story! 

Dennis did you have the presence of mind to hold onto your pruners?

That's quite a story and one risky situation. Glad you made it in one piece.

Amazing story Dennis, thank you for telling us! :-)

I was able to hang on to cuttings and pruners because the guys were pretty slow with their blows and swings. One of them fell taking a swing at me. I think he was pretty buzzed. They all were drinking. The story might be different if they were not drinking. The fig is a long black fig. The tree is pretty much a dwarf.

Great story Dennis. Thanks for finally sharing

Now that's Funny! That has got to be one of the best stories I have ever heard! :)

Dennis, How does it taste? Was it worth getting assaulted? Glad Emilio gave you the go ahead before he passed, crazy story, seems getting that plant was meant to be.

Mike in Hanover, VA

Dennis it shows that you'll risk life and limb for a fig limb. Lol

HOW BOUT THOSE FIGS!

my favorite kid in Brazil is Emiliano. I love that name. there is a lot of goodness in that name. RIP Emilio. May his figs produce and you are safe, but for God's sake, would you please don't do it again?

I don't know about you guys but when I am getting a cutting from someone...I need their smile and blessing!...r else, the hell with the cuttings, I don't want them.
Bad karma will come bite my rear end.
 This was one crazy story of fig , LOL

Great story Dennis, you make me laugh! I enjoyed reading it. I also scout for fig cuttings these days and I really know it when you determine to get some and you face difficulties. I usually look for figs that grows in public places like city parks, I also find a wide variety of figs in mosque gardens.

Dennis, the things you do for figs. Would I do the same? I don't think so. I would be kneeling on my knees begging for my dear life.

Norhayati

Love the story! How sad that they weren't friendlier?

Hi Snaglpus,
You're a crazy man ... Ever heard of the concept of nursery ? private property ?

When a gardener tells you we'll see next week,month - well, next time you'll know it means come back in 2000 years - that would explain the reaction of the relatives.

In the USA, I read, you can shoot one if he is on/enters your property - so you really got lucky it seems to only get beer . Didn't you hear about that law ? Is it an urban legend ?

If you ever come to the Mediterranean belt, keep your hands in your pockets unless no one is around or it could be worse - "hot blooded people"  those are called.
They kill and talk afterwards.

I'm back from holidays in Portugal, and I made sure to wear the ninja suit - a bag to hide everything in - and only took cuttings on trees where more than half was in the public area, or in parks.
I wouldn't enter the field of someone else ...

But ok, you made it in one piece - but next time ... be more discreet and don't act while people are in pain  ... They'll want to share it with you :) - Hope the lesson is learned.
For your own safety, change the surname to whatever you want, to break the link to your former exploit ...

jds,

You're right.  The castle doctrine law applies to selected states in the USA.  North Carolina is one of those states.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_doctrine#States_with_a_castle_law

Rough crowd! Jdsfrance, what is wrong with you? Had I known the man had died, I would have never steeped towards the tree. I would have come there bearing gifts and paying my respect. Just like anyone else would. Sometimes, you guys can be way too serious and can spoil a story. Geez! Ease up.

Dennis , your story was a crazy funny one...I did enjoy it, glad you can talk about it.
kassoum you also can find olive trees in those Gardens...hope you are far from the fighting..
Mark

I just visited that neighbourhood. The tree is gone....aka cut down. New folks have moved it. The school is no longer a school. It's something else. Since this incident, I started giving back. Over the years, I've given away, Celeste, Black Mission, Toni's Brown Italian, Green Greek, Pananas Purple, Marseilles Black, Purple Passion, Alma, Panchee, LSU Black, LSU Gold, and many others and not to mention cases of my fig jam.

Dennis, I still wonder, have you had a chance to taste this fig yet? It's good you got those cuttings, the genetics have been preserved in N.C., and hopefully have or will be spread around. It would be ashame if that tree made it here from Italy, and then was cut down without being passed on to grow in other areas. Sharing is the way to go, hoarding genetics just results in loss in time. Emillio had the right idea when he offered those cuttings to you.

Mike in Hanover, VA

Dennis, I am sure Emilio is glad you were able to propagate his beloved tree and share it with others.
It sounds like an interesting story for this unknown fig from the old country. 
Can't wait to see some photos of the fruit and leaves.

Very cool story, I knew he would be happy to know his special fig lives on..