a 
THE DICTIONARY 
OF GARDENING, 
Pruning— continued. 
growth is-regulated by that beneath ground, and the 
necessity for Top-pruning is reduced to a minimum when 
the main leading roots are prevented from taking a wide- 
spreading or downward course, without being properly 
furnished with a due proportion of others of a fibry de- 
scription. The necessity for Root-pruning may there- 
fore be judged from the appearance of a tree above 
ground; the operation is nct, of itself, desirable, but is 
a valuable means to an end whereby moderate growth 
and productiveness, more or less permanent, may be 
insured. 
The remarks already made on this subject have refer- 
ence more especially to the management of fruit-trees ; 
but there are endless other subjects among which Pruning 
may, with advantage, be enforced. Deciduous and ever- 
Fic. 299. BRANCH OF PRUNUS —— showing. Fruit not b yek arrived at Maturity and Second Crop of 
_ green forest and ornamental trees require frequent atten- 
tion in order to keep them within proper limits, and in- 
duce them, particularly when young, to grow into shapes 
according to their habit, and the purpose for which they 
are required. Pyramid trees, for instance, generally need 
some Pruning to bring them into proper shape; and it 
is a frequent occurrence to find several leaders growing 
where there should only be one. Many evergreen shrubs, 
too, where they have to be kept within limits, need both 
summer and winter Pruning; otherwise, one would soon 
overgrow its neighbour, especially where some of a slow- 
growing and others of a fast-growing, nature are planted 
near each other. Summer Pruning amongst shrubs sup- 
plies almost constant employment, where shrubberies 
are extensive. When a severe cutting-back becomes 
requisite, as it sometimes does with Aucubas, Box, 
Laurel, Yew, &c., if should be attended to about April 
or May; the shrubs then soon recoyer. ‘There are 
Pruning—continued. 
numerous subjects amongst indoor plants benefited by 
judicious Pruning, to which it is unnecessary to refer in 
detail ; indeed, it would be impossible to name them from 
memory. Some have to be pruned hard back each year, 
and others only réquire thinning to admit air and light 
amongst their leaves, to assist in perfecting the foliage, a 
flowers, or fruits, as the case may be. ; 
PRUNING KNIVES, &c. Of the several instru- ; 
ments in use for Pruning, the Knife is most generally in — 
request, and, as it can be used for various other purposes, 
few things are more requisite. Pruning Knives are made 
in various shapes, some being nearly straight in the blade, 
while others are curved and carried to a point. Proper 
Pruning Knives are fixed into strong buckhorn handles, 
and are provided with a sheath to hold them when not 
in use; but those most extensively used for Priming are 
made to shut up in the usual on which renders — 
more portable. Buckhorn handles are best, as, having 
an irregular surface, they afford a grip for the hand. 
For small shoots, a straight-edged blade is preferred. 
but with a curved blade the operator has more com- 
together, 
Pruning 
that are 
