228 



stump, or grow very close to it ; and so 

 far compositions can never do good. 



For these reasons, it seems better to 

 defer using any means to a live stump, 

 till, at least, two summers have elapsed, 

 from the amputation ; as, by that time, 

 nature would have healed part, and it 

 might be judged how far such means 

 were likely to effect the rest, before de- 

 cay could take place. — Then, in doubtful 

 cases, and not before, would be a proper 

 time to fill the fissures with good Putty ; 

 after which, two coats of thick Painty 

 applied to the end of the stump, would 

 effectually prevent decay, for many 

 years ; generally, till the wound itself dis- 

 appears. 



The foregoing will equally apply to 

 wounds, made by di sharking trees, or 

 branches blown off: it must indeed be a 

 large wound, of these sorts, that will not 

 grow over, upon a vigorous tree, provided 



