304 THE EFFECT OF SEVERE PRUNING. 



(a) represents the proper cut, at an angle of 

 about forty-five degrees, with the bud at the back. 

 As the bud grows, the bark is thrown over the 

 wound, and it becomes scarcely distinguishable. 



(b-) is a cut in which the bud is left so much ex- 

 posed that drying winds or accident may destroy 

 it. In either case the next one below will push, 

 and the intermediate space become an ugly knot. 



(c) represents the wound usually made in pruning 

 by beginners or women, resulting from a dull knife 

 or want of strength to make a firm stroke. The 

 disadvantages are evident, as the surface to be healed 

 is more than double that of (a), [d) (e) (f) are cuts 

 made at liap-hazard ; in which the bud is not liable 

 to take so straight a direction ; and an unsightly 

 joint is left above it. 



Third, severe |;rM?w'w/7 produces vigor, hut sterility. 

 There is a certain balance which is to be maintained 

 between the roots and the branches of a tree ; and 

 if this is disturbed, it seeks to restore the equilib- 

 rium before it will produce fruit. Therefore, if the 

 branches are continually cut while the roots remain 

 the same, the whole force of the tree will be spent 

 to accomplish this by increased vigor. If a tree 

 already possesses a quantity of fruit-spurs, and the 

 knife be used severely, this force may transform 

 them into wood-buds, and the tree be filled with 

 spray-wood in consequence. 



Fourth, the removal of a part of the wood, when the 



