72 



THE TREE DOCTOR 



It is used to "bridge over" the cambium, where a young tree has 

 been "girdled" by rabbits, or from any other cause. These 

 scions, as shown in the photo, will grow, if the work is properly 

 executed. But what of that? It is a needless expense; for if 

 the wound be properly dressed and "capped" and kept painted 

 to keep out moisture, that is all that is required. Though a 

 needless expense, in this application, it is a practice worth know- 

 ing so that it can be used in cases of "girdling," etc. Photo 61 

 is, to use a slang phrase, a "corker." It shows either the utter 

 lack of knowledge of tree life on the part of the writer, or a woe- 

 ful absence of observation. Drive a chisel through the bark of 

 a tree and pry it up, and it would be possible for the bark to re- 

 unite, if it were bound back tight and all air excluded. The bark 

 might be perfectly connected above and below but if the least air 

 were admitted the bark would dry up and a new growth form 

 under it. If Mr. Watson, the writer of said article, will perform 



Photo 61 



Covering a big wound with new bark. Instead of waiting years for the 

 bark to close over; strips are cleft grafted. 



