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in diameter have been cut for this purpose, particularly on pecan trees 

 in the South, and that decay has started at the top of these stubs 

 after the scions have become established, resulting in a pocket of decay. 

 I assume that it is about such places as these that you want me to say 

 something. Such conditions, whatever their origin, call for straight 

 tree surgery methods. My work on tree surgery has been almost 

 entirely with shade trees and chestnuts, and only to a very limited 

 extent on other nut trees. 



The general methods of liandling decfly are essentially the same on 

 all trees, as also are the fundaniental principles underlying the same, 

 whether on nut or shade trees. I must admit I do not know just what 

 methods are being employed by nut growers at the present time to 

 counteract such decay in top-worked trees, so my suggestions may 

 include nothing with which you are unfanoiliar. Again, they may 

 include some methods that you have already tried and found wanting 

 so far as nut trees are concerned. 



A.s a prevention of decay my suggestions, based on my own shade 

 tree experience, would be: 



(1) Avoid cutting large limbs when smaller ones are available and 

 will serve the purpose just as well or better. 



(2) Keep the scars thoroughly and continuously covered with some 

 good waterproof and antiseptic material so as to prevent infection of 

 any part of the cut surfaces. 



(3) Always make the cut somewhat slanting so that rain water will 

 readily run oif, and insert the scions preferably at the upper ex- 

 tremity' of the cut. Such an oblique cut normally heals quicker and 

 better on shade trees than a transverse cut, particularly if a vigorous 

 young sjjrout is left at the peak of the cut. I am quite certain the 

 same statement will hold true with scions of nut trees placed at the 

 peak of the oblique cut. 



After decay has started, I would suggest — 



(1) Cut out all the decayed woody matter, preferably from one 

 side, so that a free and easy drainage of the wound may result. If 

 necessary, when several scions have been placed around the stub, 

 sacrifice one of the grafts and make a rather long oblique cut or 

 groove from which all decayed matter has been removed. Use shellac, 

 liquid grafting wax or melted paraffine over the cut bark, cambium 

 and adjoining sapwood immediately after the final cut is made. 



(2) Cover the entire wound with some good preparation to keep 

 out disease germs and water. Preferably use for a covering such 

 materials as will be more or less permanent and which have been 

 found by practical exjDerience to be least injurious and most effec- 

 tive on the particular nut tree that you are treating. 



