TREE SURGERY. 



E. STONE. 



The term " tree surgery " is a legitimate one to use in describing 

 modern methods of treating trees, as they are similar to those used 

 in human and animal surgery ; that is, the treatment of trees is based 

 upon aseptic and antiseptic methods. In the same manner that 

 modern surgery is successful in correcting deformities, performing 



operations, etc., so a young and vigor- 

 ous, although often imperfect tree, may 

 be improved and rendered more valua- 

 ble by the use of the same methods. 

 While old and decrepit trees are often 

 treated to extend their period of useful- 

 ness, it should be borne in mind that it 

 is more desirable to care for the younger, 

 more promising trees, and it is only too 

 apparent that if more attention had been 

 given to the care of old trees at the 

 proper time, they would never be in the 

 condition in which we often find them. 



Unlike the surgeon, who has no choice 

 of subjects, the tree expert can select 

 his individuals at the start and elimi- 

 nate the imperfect specimens, although 

 in the process of development trees 

 need constant attention. It is desirable 

 that antiseptic methods of treatment 

 following pruning, mechanical injuries, etc., shall be adopted. 



Fig. 7. Showing healing of wound. 

 Most active healing follows most 

 •direct lines of transference of plas- 

 tic materials. 



HEALING OF WOUNDS. 



A protective feature characteristic of all plants is well illustrated 

 in the healing of wounds. The healing tissues (callus) in a tree are 

 the cambium and adjacent meristematic cells located between the 

 wood and the outer bark. The plastic substances which provide the 

 material for growth and healing are manufactured in the leaf and 

 -are transferred through certain tissues of the inner bark (phloem) 



