218 F QUEST WORK FOB THE MONTH. [Jan., 



cutting live branches from Firs, Larches, and Pines. The lower or 

 dead branches should be carefully removed. The dead branches of 

 the larch are best removed by striking them smartly with a stick or 

 other blunt instrument close to the bole of the tree ; this causes the 

 branches to snap off close to the bark, and often within the external 

 line of the bark, so that the wound soon heals over, and the timber is 

 not deteriorated for useful purposes. 



Pruning. — I perceive in last number of 'Forestry,' page 149, 

 ' A Tourist ' takes notice of some remarks I made about pruning in 

 the number for August, and asks a question about the pruning of 

 large branches from trees. I am not an advocate for the amputation 

 of large branches from trees of any kind, as I believe such an opera- 

 tion to be both injurious and unsightly ; and, in a case such as 

 * Tourist ' mentions, I consider the operation would be both in an 

 eminent degree. Instances occur where trees have been planted for 

 effect more than for profit, and from their early and constant training 

 having been neglected, the heads have grown wildly out of proportion 

 and symmetry, and probably encroached upon something, such as 

 road or fence, that necessitates the curtailment of their dimensions. 

 Such an operation requires to be conducted with great care and 

 judgment to preserve the symmetry of the tree, and show as little as 

 possible any marks of tree operation to a casual observer. In such 

 cases as this the amputation of largish branches is sometimes 

 necessary, and the effect will be to deteriorate the value of the 

 timber for useful purposes ; but as the trees are to be retained for 

 effect, and are not grown for £, s. d., such pruning has a meaning 

 and value peculiar to itself, and cannot be put into comparison with 

 pruning done for the production of useful and valuable timber. 



I have observed that live branches amputated in August, while 

 the sap is in active circulation, soon have a small ring of new bark 

 formed around the edges of the wound, and circling over upon the 

 wood, thereby excluding external wet from soaking in between the 

 bark and wood, to cause decomposition and prevent the speedy 

 healing of the wound. The painting, or, preferably, the tarring over 

 the surface of a wound made during the winter months, or at any 

 other time, tends to prevent water from lodging under the bark 

 around the edges of the wound, and facilitates the first process of 

 healing in the spring. 



Fences and Ditches. — Repair all wood and iron fences and dry 

 stone walls ; cut, plash, and lay thorn and other ditches. Clean out 

 ditches, and keep all water tracks and courses clear of any 

 obstructions to the even flow of their waters. 



Nursery. — In dry and open weather, push on and complete the 

 sowing of all kinds of seeds that were kept in pits during the 



