PRUNING. 153 



for afterwards smoothing the edges of the bark, 

 -and face of the wound. Of this, see further 

 in Section X. of this Chapter. But observe, 

 that no formerly lopped or shortened branch, 

 having a twig or lateral to lead on its growth, 

 comes under the denomination of a stump. 



If, however, the extremity of any such 

 branch exhibit the appearance of decay or 

 mortification, let it be cut back to the quick, 

 or to the next twig or lateral thereon ; 

 smoothing it in the manner as above. And 

 if it be corrupted below all the twigs, let it 

 be taken off by the bole ; as, in that case, 

 it comes under the title, and would soon 

 put on the appearance of a stump. 



From this view of the subject, it is pre- 

 sumed the intelligent reader will find no 

 difficulty in Pruning and Training the Oak 

 in the character of straight timber ; nor, if 

 the operation is regularly performed, so as 

 that the trees at no time be suffered to run 

 into confusion of shoots, and if they stand 

 at proper distances in respect to each other, 

 (as will be fully explained in the next Sec- 

 tion,) will he find the operation perplexing 

 or tedious. 



