96 Principles and Practice of Pruning. 



is to render trees more dwarfish, and operates not unlike grafting on 

 dwarf stocks ; or in the same way, but in less degree, that trans- 

 planting produces a like result. It should usually be done early in 

 spring, and with a spade ground sharp and kept solely for this pur- 

 pose, so that the roots may be cut off smoothly, and not torn or 

 bruised, as with a dull spade. Any required degree of check may 

 be given to the tree by cutting the roots short or near the foot of the 

 stem a less check by allowing greater length. 



