SO^ Ofi priming Forest Trees. 



plant, and their tendencies and functions in the system, his 

 operations will always be performed in tlie twilight of uncer- 

 tainty. 



If we exce})t the failure of the lowest branches of trees, 

 tliere are few indications in nature showing the necessity of 

 pruning. In natural forests, trees generally grow closely 

 together ; of course, their lower branches, being deprived of 

 air and light, quickly perish ; but when, by accident, they 

 stand singly, the lower branches are as permanent as those of 

 the top, nay, even more so ; and, moreover, they appear to 

 be as necessary a part of the system. When, however, trees 

 are taken under the care of man, they are subjected to con- 

 trol, and are trained to answer the purposes for which they 

 are cultivated, whether that be for the timber they supply, 

 the shelter and ornament they afford, or for the fruit or 

 flowers which they yield. For these different objects trees 

 undergo various manipulations of the pruner, which may be 

 considered under different heads. 



Forest Tree Prunmg. — Forest trees are regarded either as 

 objects of ornament or of profit. Ornamental trees require 

 no assistance from the pruner. Natural forms cannot be im- 

 proved by art, even when directed by the most refined taste. 

 It is only in woodlands, raised or maintained as sources of 

 profit, that the skill and exertions of the forest pruner are 

 available. In such cases the special object is toobtain the 

 greatest quantity of marketable timber. With this view the 

 pruner endeavours to form stately, straight, and clean- 

 grained boles, standing as closely together as is consistent with 

 allowing every tree a sufficient share of light and air. The 

 interdistances, and the desired form and length of bole, can 

 only be obtained by giving attention to the trees in the early 

 stages of their growth. To have timber of the finest grain or 

 quality, no lateral branches that grow within the convenient 

 reach of the pruner slK)ukl be allowed to arrive at any con- 

 siderable size ; such branches act as rivals of the principal 

 stem, and, if they remain to act injuriously before they are 

 cut off, the wound thereby made is so large, that a defect in 

 the timber is the certain conse(|Ucnce. The soundness of 

 timber is not deteriorated by pruning, provided the wounds 

 made in the execution be no greater than will be healed 

 during the following sunnner. A scar made by the axe, bill, 

 or chisel, if exposed longer than twelve months, will always 

 remain a flaw; for, though it may be afterwards covered 

 smoothly over by the new collapsing wood, it is impossible 

 that any perfect union can take place between a surface of 



