8 A HANDBOOK OF CONIFERiE 



Pruning. 



Conifers as a rule require less attention to pruning than 

 broad-leaved trees. Some are inclined to form double leaders, 

 particularly after an injury to the leading shoot. DupUcate 

 leading shoots should be removed as early as possible. The 

 lower branches of woodland trees that do not die and fall should 

 be removed as close to the trunk as possible, whilst the lower 

 branches of ornamental trees that are becoming weak and 

 unsightly should be removed. In the case of trees in open 

 positions the trunk should not be too quickly cleared of lower 

 branches or the bark may be injured by sun or frost. Prun- 

 ing may be carried out at any period between June and the end 

 of January. Hedges of yew, Thuya, or Cupressus should be 

 clipped over toward the end of July or early in August. In 

 some instances it may be wise to use secateurs rather than 

 shears for the work. Topiary work of yew may be cut over at 

 the same time. 



Diseases. 



Conifers are attacked by numerous fungus and insect pests. 

 Once such pests become well estabUshed they are difficult to 

 eradicate, and a sharp look-out should be kept for the early stages 

 of an outbreak of disease, for at this stage it may easily be checked. 

 Particulars of various diseases are given elsewhere. 



SYNOPSIS OF FMIILIES AND TPvIBES 



Family Taxaceae. 



Evergreen trees or shrubs. Male and female flowers usually 

 on different trees. Cone formation imperfect. Seed coat either 

 dry or eventually fleshy, more or less surrounded by a fleshy cup- 

 like aril or by a succulent scale, or borne upon a fleshy stalk. 



I. Taxe^ (The Yew Tribe). 



Seed erect or rarely partly inverted ; partially or completely 

 surrounded by an aril or with a fleshy resinous seed-coat. 



Cei:)halotaxus. 



Leaves linear, not prickly, in a two-ranked arrangement, 

 mid-rib prominent on upper side. Male flowers crowded. Seed 

 long-stalked, fleshy, ohve-Hke, maturing in one season. 



