I 1 4 THE LARCH. 



to time afterwards with the pruning chisel as long as 

 within reach, and all contending leaders cut clean off 

 close to the main stem. 



Of all coniferse the larch stands pruning best, and it, 

 above all other species of pine or fir, requires it most, 

 except the silver fir. 



On carefully inspecting some young larch planta- 

 tions, I find from 30 to 40 per cent, are growing 

 with more than one stem. Indeed plants that have 

 been eaten over by game, or met with accidents from 

 whatever cause, so as to lose their leader, invariably 

 produce plurality of stems or contending leaders, and 

 consequently require the pruning-knife more or less. 



The branches, however, should not be interfered 

 with nor pruned off till the bark of the tree has 

 assumed its scaly and corky appearance, after which 

 they may be safely checked by confinement, and pruned 

 off when no longer vital. 



