THE SECRETARY'S PORTFOLIO. 407 



Should the specimen incline to run up tall and slim, nip ofT the leading shoot, 

 and this will generally induce numerous others to start out. As nature in 

 her endeavor to supply a new central branch I'requently overdoes the matter 

 and furnishes an over-abundance, allow but one to grow, and that the strongest 

 and in the most central position. There are a few varieties of some well-known 

 species that assume the columnar form without artificial assistance, as for 

 instance the pyramidal Norway spruce, and occasionally a sport of the Amer- 

 ican arbor vitai. Although not hardy in the northern States, the pyramidal 

 form of the European cypress is also a striking example. But such remarkably 

 spreading trees as the Norway spruce, hemlock, and the white pine may be 

 compelled to assume the strictly erect growth by a systematic course of pruning 

 such as has been described. In addition to the buds which are plainly observ- 

 able on the branchlets, there are others beneath the outer bark, termed '-adven- 

 titious buds," that are not noticeable, but which start into active growth when- 

 ever vegetation receives a check, either from removing a shoot or from the effect 

 of disease of some kind. Among evergreens as a rule however this is not so 

 marked as among the greater portion of the deciduous trees, but still suffici- 

 ently so to produce a denser growth of branches after pruning. After several 

 years of continued pruning any species of tree adapts itself to circumstances, 

 and requires little aid from the knife, as is abundantly proved in the case of 

 old evergreen hedges and specimens of '"topiary" work. At first trimming 

 induces active growth, but after a few years it does not act as an incentive. 



At another time Mr. Hoopes talks about the pruning of evergreens as follows : 



The last of June is as good a time as any in the year for pruning them, as 



the new growth is not then hardened, and the wood has time to ripen properly 



before cold weather sets in. True, some evergreens will endeavor to effect a 



second growth, but as this is generally weak, it, too, will mostly ripen before 



frost. All species are benefited by an annual pruning until they grow beyond 



our reach. The objections that have been raised in regard to the stifl formal 



character that pruned evergreens assume may have some weight when the trees 



are small, but as they increase in height and the clipping is discontinued the 



training of their early years shows to great advantage. 



* * *"'* + * * ♦ * * * * 



Upon this same point the American Gardener says : 



Evergreens should never be pruned in the fall or winter. The cutting off of 

 the summer's growth during this season exposes the inner parts of the tree or 

 hedge to the snow and cold winds of winter to their serious injury. Thousands 

 of hedges are annually destroyed by such unseasonable pruning. Spring is the 

 time for pruning evergreens, especially when large limbs are to be removed. 

 Hedges which are to be kept as even and neat as possible may be pruned the 

 latter part of June or first week in July. At this time the new growth is still 

 soft, there is no danger from cold injuring exposed parts, and there is sufficient 

 time for the ripening of the new wood before winter. 



HEDGE PLANTS. 



Wm. S. Little in the "Western Rural speaks well of the hornbean as a hedge 

 plant, condensing the points as follows: 



1. It is perfectly hardy and healthy. I have never seen a twig injured in the 

 severest winter, nor have I ever observed that it failed to make a healthy, vig- 



