THE FRENCH SYSTEM OF PRUNING. 269 



pruning maintain, too, that the scars which such 

 operations must leave on the trunks of trees indicate 

 internal defects in the wood, and that these trees can- 

 not be readily sold. This objection is also well-founded, 

 in view of the manner in which the operations of 

 pruning are generally performed ; but it is the method 

 which is faulty, and such objections must disappear 

 before more scientific and rational treatment. 



" A system of forest management which discards 

 pruning is disastrous, and even if it were less so, 

 would have many practical objections. A tree left 

 entirely to itself generally develops in one of two 

 directions. It does not grow upwards, and assumes 

 the low round form common to the apple-tree ; the 

 lower branches grow disproportionately large, and 

 absorb too much sap, to the detriment of the top of 

 the tree ; and these long heavy branches are often 

 broken by the wind, or by snow and ice, leaving 

 hideous stumps. Trees of this form are very com- 

 mon ; they generally decay at the top before reaching 

 maturity, and have little commercial value. On the 

 other hand, many vigorous trees grow disproportion- 

 ately at the top ; the lower branches die from insuffi- 

 cient nourishment, fall off, and leave, when large, bare 

 decayed spots, which gradually penetrate to the heart 

 of the tree, and ruin also its commercial value. 



" Wounds caused by the breaking off of large 

 branches by wind or snow produce the same results. 

 There is no remedy for the dangerous effects of such 

 accidents except in pruning : it is a simple question of 

 surgery. Without pruning the tree must sooner or 

 later decay ; with pruning, its value may be preserved. 



" The secret of obtaining a complete cure in all 

 operations requiring the removal of a branch, either 



