78 PRUNING IN GENERAL. 



If we look at a natural tree the first year of its 

 growth, we shall notice that the buds, or embryo 

 branches, are quite close together, sometimes but 

 little over an inch apart. We are now told that it 

 is necessary to remove these branches in part, when 

 they develop, as, when they have become large, 

 there will not be room for them all. This is true, 

 there would not be space in a single inch for a 4 01 

 5 inch limb; but let us not jump at the conclusion 

 that they will ever become such size. Nature will 

 not crowd two substances into the same space at the 

 same time. One of these will be strangled by 

 nature's own pruning process, dry up and die. 



It is sometimes the case that two or more limbs 

 will grow too close together, and so even in size 

 and growth that it becomes appprent that one 

 should be removed. Do this at any time when 

 not frozen. Observe carefully and you will see a 

 small ring or "collar" near the base of the limb 

 to be removed; cut the limb or shoot off just above 

 this but not so close as to injure it. The cut 

 will be, if this is followed, nearly at right angles 

 to the limb removed. 



It is well, and cannot be too strongly recom- 

 mended, to follow this and all pruning with the 

 paint brush. Paint over the wound to exclude the 

 air. By this means black heart or discoloration, 

 which means the first stage of decay, is prevented. 

 This may not be at all times necessary, but it is a 

 small matter and should never be neglected. The 

 paint should be moderately thick, thicker than 



