382 



KUKSEKT AND FKUIT GAKDEN IMPLEMENTS. 



branches, either too large for the knife, or so situated that 

 the knife cannot operate. It has various sizes and forms. 

 Some are jointed, and fold like a j^runing knife ; others 

 are like the common carpenter's handsaw, fig. 143, but 

 smaller and stouter. 



143. — Pruning saw. 



Fig. 144 —Bow saw. 



The Bow Saw (fig. 144). — This is the most generally 

 useful form for the gardener, or nurseryman. The blade 

 is very narrow, and stiffened by an arched back. It is 

 fastened at both ends by a rivet to the screw on which the 

 back turns, and by which it is adapted to difierent pur- 

 poses. It is indispensable in making horizontal cuts, close 

 to the ground, as in heading down. 



Some are set with a double row of teeth on one side, 

 and the edge is much thicker than the back ; these work 

 much easier than those toothed in the ordinary way, and 

 it would be an object to have them where much saw prun- 

 ing is to be done. "Wherever the saw is used, the cut 

 surfaces should be pared smooth with the knife, to facili- 

 tate its healing. 



Long handled pruning saws are sometimes recom- 

 mended, but never should be used in pruning fruit trees. 

 The branch to be operated should be reached by means 

 of a ladder, if need be, within arm's length, and cut with 

 a common saw. 



