Remarks on the Thinning and Pruning of 

 Forest Trees. 



By ALFRED J. EURROWS, Plucklev, Kent. 



The neglect of the proper tliiiining unci pruning of forest trees is 

 so general that it must proceed from either a want of knowledge of 

 the principles of vegetable physiology, or from carelessness in the 

 application of that knowledge which science places within the reach 

 of the forester. If the object of the planter be merely the growth 

 of the maximum of wood upon the minimum of space, irrespective 

 of shape and quality, then may the pruner consider his " occupation 

 "■one," as every branch cut away from the tree, by lessening the 

 c[uantity of foliage presented to the action of the sun and atmosphere, 

 lessens also the absorption by the leaves of carbonic acid gas, and 

 thereby proportionally decreases the formation of carbon, which 

 composes the skeleton or framework of the tree or plant. If, on the 

 contrary, the forester has in view the largest possible production of 

 straight, lengthy, clean-grown, and sound timber in the shortest time 

 and upon the smallest area, then must the work of thinning and 

 pruning commence a few years after planting, and continue until the 

 trees have almost reached their maturity. Where he has also in view 

 the reproduction of the forest without the laljour and expense of 

 planting, his work will be continuous, as such a gradual clearance 

 must be effected as will favour the germination of seed, and the 

 progressive filling up of small spaces cleared by the woodman's axe. 



In a carefully tended and well-managed plantation every tree 

 should be sound and healthy, whereas in neglected forests unsound- 

 ness becomes the rule, and not the exception. So frequently is 

 this the case in a state of nature that Canadian M^oodmen, or 

 "lumberers," find that not one tree oat of thousands growing in 

 their forests is fit for exportation. 



As the growth of sound and valuable timber is so greatly dependent 

 upon the proper attention of the forester, who should under all circum- 

 stances be guided by the principles of true science, and as an intimate 

 acquaintance with the habits and food of trees and plants is so 

 essential to his success, a few preliminary remarks may not be out of 

 place before we describe the more mechanical acts of thinning and 

 pruning. 



