106 



GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 



of trees, is to provide for the speedy and perfect healing 

 of the wounds, or cut surfaces. In removing a portion of 

 a branch, or stem, if we cut between two joints, and thus 

 leave a portion of wood above the bud intended to be 

 cut to, as in fig. 81, this wood dies, and we have the 

 trouble of another pruning to remove it. If we cut too 

 close to the bud, and thus remove a portion of the wood 

 with which it is connected, as in fig. 82, the bud will 

 either die, or disappoint us by producing a very feeble 

 growth. The proper way is to take the branch to be 

 operated on in the left hand, place the edge of the knife 



Figs. 81 to 84. PRUNING. 



Fig. 81, cutting too far above the bud. Fig. 82. cutting too close. Fig. 83, the 

 cut as it should be. Fig. 84, removal of a branch, the cross-line indicating the 

 proper place for the cut. 



on it, opposite the lower part of the bud to be 'cut to, 

 and then make a firm, quick, smooth draw-cut, sloping 

 upwards, so that the knife will come out on a level with 

 the point of the bud, as in fig. 83. In soft-wooded, pithy 

 trees, like the grape-vine, for example, half an inch of 

 wood ought to be left above the bud. The cut should 

 also be made as much as possible on the lower side of the 

 branch to prevent rain from lodging in the center. The 

 position of the bud cut to is also worthy of consideration 

 in pruning, to produce or modify certain forms. When 



