Fig Preserves

10 lbs figs
1/4 cup baking soda
5 lbs sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
lemon slices (optional)
1 quart water

Wash figs in warm water with baking soda.
Rinse. Cut off stems.
Combine sugar, lemon juice and water in heavy pot. Drop figs into syrup.
Cook until figs are clear looking and syrup is thick (2 to 3 hours). Add lemon slices 1/2 hour before figs are done. Seal in jars.