231 



THE DICTIONARY OF GARDENING, 



Pruning 1 continued. 



growth is regulated by that beneath ground, and the 

 necessity for Top-pruning is reduced to a minimum when 

 the main leading roots are prevented from taking a wide- 

 spreading or downward course, without being properly 

 furnished with a due proportion of others of a fibry de- 

 scription. The necessity for Boot-pruning may there- 

 fore be judged from the appearance of a tree above 

 ground; the operation is not, of itself, desirable, but is 

 a valuable means to an end whereby moderate growth 

 and productiveness, more or less permanent, may be 

 insured. 



The remarks already made on this subject have refer- 

 ence more especially to the management of fruit-trees; 

 but there are endless other subjects among which Pruning 

 may, with advantage, be enforced. Deciduous and ever- 



Px*nninfir continued. 



numerous subjects amongst indoor plants benefited by 

 judicious Pruning, to which it is unnecessary to refer in 

 detail ; indeed, it would be impossible to name them from 

 memory. Some have to be pruned hard back each year, 

 and others only require thinning to admit air and light 

 amongst their leaves, to assist in perfecting the foliage, 

 flowers, or fruits, as the case may be. 



PRUNING KNIVES, &c. Of the several instru- 

 ments in use for Pruning, the Knife is most generally in 

 request, and, as it can be used for various other purposes, 

 few things are more requisite. Pruning Knives are made 

 in various shapes, some being nearly straight in the blade, 

 while others are curved and carried to a point. Proper 

 Pruning Knives are fixed into strong buckhorn handles, 

 and are provided with a sheath to hold them when not 



FIG. 299. BRANCH OF PRUNUS BIFERUM, showing Fruit not yet arrived at Maturity and Second Crop of 

 Flowers from the Young Wood. 



green forest and ornamental trees require frequent atten- 

 tion in order to keep them within proper limits, and in- 

 duce them, particularly when young, to grow into shapes 

 according to their habit, and the purpose for which they 

 are required. Pyramid trees, for instance, generally need 

 some Pruning to bring them into proper shape ; and it 

 is a frequent occurrence to find several leaders growing 

 where there should only be one. Many evergreen shrubs, 

 too, where they have to be kept within limits, need both 

 summer and winter Pruning ; otherwise, one would soon 

 overgrow its neighbour, especially where some of a slow- 

 growing and others of a fast-growing, nature are planted 

 near each other. Summer Pruning amongst shrubs sup- 

 plies almost constant employment, where shrubberies 

 are extensive. When a severe cutting-back becomes 

 requisite, as it sometimes does with Aucubas, Box, 

 Laurel, Tew, &c., it should be attended to about April 

 or May ; the shrubs then soon recover. There are 



in use; but those most extensively used for Pruning are 

 made to shut up in the usual way, which renders them 

 more portable. Buckhorn handles are best, as, having 

 an irregular surface, they afford a grip for the hand. 

 For small shoots, a straight-edged blade is preferred, 

 but with a curved blade the operator has more com- 

 mand over a large branch. 



Besides a Knife, most useful instruments are small 

 Pruning Shears, or Secateurs, and a Pruning Saw. There 

 are various sizes and makes of the first-named in use, 

 according to the size of the branches that are to be cut. 

 Some have a movable centre, which causes them to draw 

 and cut like a knife ; others, very strong and well 

 adapted for pruning Gooseberries, Eoses, &c., are riveted 

 together, and answer for the purpose most effectually. 

 Pruning Saws are often required for removing branches 

 that are too strong for the Knife or Shears. The blades 

 are narrow, and somewhat like those employed for 



