HOW TO PRUNE. 227 



is not observable, and that the trunk itself is not 

 injured by the operation. 



In doing this work two men are generally required 

 one on the tree to perform the mechanical part of the 

 work, and the other on the ground directing him how 

 and where to cut the branch. Details of this branch 

 of pruning it is futile to attempt giving, because so 

 much depends on the taste and skill of the operator 

 as well as the kind of subject to be treated. As well 

 attempt to teach drawing or music by theory, as this 

 branch of pruning by anything else than skill and 

 practice. 



For the guidance of those, however, who may never 

 have pruned a tree or seen it done, the following 

 directions may be found useful. 



No one should attempt pruning advanced trees un- 

 less he has a good nerve, steady head, and energy, 

 combined with patience and good taste. No attempt 

 should be made to remove a large branch at one cut, 

 so that it may not require a second, or even a third ; 

 for, as is but too well known in practice, branches 

 almost invariably split before they are cut quite 

 through, and therefore so far damage the part below 

 as to render a second cutting absolutely necessary. 

 Of course the size and weight of the branch influence 

 the operation materially in every case, and must there- 

 fore be carefully studied. To modify the tendency of 

 the branch to split downwards toward the stem, the 

 back of the saw should be held so as to incline down- 

 wards towards the trunk of the tree, by which means 

 the split will incline the other way, and thus prevent 

 very materially the danger of damaging the stem by 

 the limb splitting off. 



Pruning in such cases is essential, otherwise the 



