CHAP. T.] PRUNING. 99 



branches taken off while they are quite young, 

 in order that the wounds may soon heal over, 

 and not leave loose knots to weaken or dis- 

 figure the wood ; while a tree intended for a 

 screen should be allowed ample space for its 

 branches to spread from the ground upwards, 

 and then they should only be shortened at 

 their extremities, to make them throw out 

 short branches near the tree. In pleasure- 

 grounds the principal object is, generally, 

 either to preserve the shape of the tree or 

 shrub, so that it may form an agreeable object 

 on a lawn; or to let it combine in a group with 

 others, either for ornament, or to serve as a 

 screen or shelter. In the first case, it is ob- 

 vious that no pruning is requisite, but to 

 remove dead, diseased, or unsightly branches; 

 and, in the second, the pruning must depend 

 upon the shape the tree is required to take to 

 group well with the others planted near it. 



Pruning to produce flowers and fruit has in 

 view two objects : first, to cut off all super- 

 fluous wood, so as to throw the strength of 

 the tree into the fruit-bearing branches; and, 

 secondly, to admit the sun and air into the 

 interior of the tree. In both cases, the atten- 

 tion of the pruner must be directed to thinning 

 out weak and crowded shoots ; and to keeping 

 both sides of the tree well balanced, in order 

 that the circulation of the sap may be equal 

 throughout. This will preserve the general 

 health of the tree, at the same time that it 

 throws the sap into the proper channels ; and 

 the fruit will be produced in as much abund- 

 ance as can be done without injuring the tree. 



h 2 



