TOO MUCH WOOD. 



67 



is left with a ragged edge. In removing the end of 

 the shoot, care should be exercised to cut it so close 

 that the growth of the bud may be a continuation 

 of the branch. I have sometimes seen the cut made 

 so close to the bud, as to injure it ; and then again if 

 too much wood is left above the 

 bud, the stump of wood decays and 

 makes an unsightly object. Figure 

 6 represents the proper way to cut 

 off a shoot. If cut as in figure 5, 

 the wood above the bud will decay, 

 and it may reach and injure the 

 bud. 



For the latter class of trees, the 

 cutting will depend on the position 

 of the shoots and buds; but as 

 stated before, the growth should be 

 encouraged upward and outward. 



If it is necessary to have a shoot 

 go straight up, the bud should be 

 on the inside of the shoot ; if on the 

 FIG. 5. contrary, an opposite or side devi- FIG. 6. 

 ation is wanted, select a bud pointing in either direc- 

 tion, and with care, the desired end is sure to be 

 accomplished. It may often be requisite to remove 

 a large branch in order to make the tree more open 

 in the center. When this has to be done, the cut 



