224 



PRUNING. 



Therefore, of the two evils, we should choose the 

 least and that is, to cut off the decayed branch as 

 close to the stem of the tree as possible, and apply 

 paint, creosote, pitch, tar, or other preservative to pro- 

 tect the wound from decay till it heal over by the 

 bark covering it. 



Fig. 7. 



Pruning off decayed branches, let it be observed, 

 should be confined to comparatively young and fast 

 growing trees, and should not apply to mature or 

 aged ones. Above all, let no one think of pruning 

 the horny arms from an old ornamental oak or Span- 



