of trimming, dead wood being common everywhere. Very great in- 

 jury has been caused by improper pruning, dating back many years. 

 Branches have been cutoff so as to leave stubbs. These, rotting, 

 have in hundreds of cases resulted in hollow trunks. An in- 

 teresting case of a neglected stubb is seen in an elm from which a 

 large branch was either cut or broken. No care being taken of 

 the wound, the inner wood decayed, dirt settled in the hollow and 

 by some means a china tree sprang up. Now appears the an- 

 omaly of a china tree growing out of an elm. 



The custom of severely topping large trees has led to most 

 ugly shapes, particularly among the poplars. Elms also have 

 suffered and several buttonwoods been utterly disfigured. Much 

 harm has been caused by horizontal pruning. A mistake of both 

 present and past is allowing'trees to head too low, in consequence 

 of which their branches interfere with traffic and when cut off 

 injure the shape of the tree. 



Boxing. Another instance of neglect is shown in the outgrown 

 boxes of many trees. Wire frames as well are constantly found 

 cutting into the bark of trees. Young [trees seem to be well 

 planted and boxed and then left to grow as they can. 



Electric Wires. Every city has to meet the problem of ad- 

 justment between its trees and its electric wires. Perfect insu- 

 lation must be insisted upon. This has not yet been achieved in 

 Charleston. 



Tree Surgery Tree surgery is a comparatively modern prac- 

 tice and one which has in no case been employed in caring for 

 the street trees of Charleston. Wounds are never painted over 

 and trunk cavities are never cleaned out and filled up. Not less 

 than seventy per cent of the elms of the city bear hollows due 

 to either sunscald or the gnawing of horses. To preserve these 

 trees skillful surgery must be employed. This will probably re- 

 require the services of an expert. 



Conclusion 



In reviewing the results of the survey the most patent fact is 

 the great need of better care of street trees. The authorities are 

 ready to do their part; the public is interested. An active co- 

 operation between the two and Charleston may have a right to 

 be proud of its streets. L. M. Bragg. 



43 



