204 A MANUAL OF FORESTRY. 



3. Execution of Pruning. 



"Where the object is to produce valuable timber trees, 

 the branches should, in all cases, be cut off close to the 

 main stem, but without injuring the bark of the latter ; 

 only in this way can quick occlusion of the wound be 

 expected. If the object be merely to relieve young 

 growth of cover overhead, the above rule may be 

 neglected. 



The work maybe done with the knife, hatchet, billhook, 

 shears, or saw. Cutting instruments produce a smoother 

 surface of the wound, but, unless very carefully handled, 

 injuries to the bark of the main stem are likely to occur. 

 The saw produces a less smooth surface, but if care- 

 fully handled it does no injury beyond the actual 

 cut. Heavy branches should first be cut off some 

 distance from the stem, and then, by a second cut, the 

 remaining stump should be removed, to insure the pro- 

 duction of an even cut and to avoid tearing the bark of 

 the main stem. 



Saws are used, either in connection with a light 

 ladder, or they are placed on poles. In the first case 

 pruning can be carried out to a considerable height. 

 Saws placed on poles are only effective up to a moderate 

 height, 12 to 18 feet. 



Of hatchets that constructed by Courval (Fig. 75) is 

 specially recommended. Fig. 76 represents a pushing 

 chisel, with which branches can be removed up to a 

 moderate height. Fig. 77 is a bow-less saw, and Fig. 78 

 an ordinary hand-saw. Fig. 79 is a saw in the shape of a 

 bayonet fastened on a pole. Fig. 80 represents Ahler's 

 pruning saw, which is also fastened on a pole. The last 



