286 TENDING OF CROWDED WOODS AFTER EARLY YOUTH. 



can quick occlusion of the wound be expected. If the object 

 be merely to relieve yount; growth of cover overhead, the 

 above rule may lie neglected. 



The work may be done with the knife, hatchet, billhook, 

 shears, or saw. Cutting instruments produce a smoother 

 surface of the wound, but, unless very carefully handled, 

 injuries to the bark of the main stem are likely to occur. 

 The saw [)i-oduces a less smooth surface, but, if carefully 

 handled, it does no injury beyond the actual cut. Heavy 

 branches should first be cut oti' a short distance from the stem, 

 and then, by a second cut, the remaining stump should be 

 removed, to ensure the production of an even cut and to avoid 

 tearing the bark of the main stem. 



Saws are used, either in connection with a light ladder, or 

 they are placed on poles. In the first case pruning can be 

 carried out to a considerable height. Saws placed on poles 

 are only effective up to a moderate height, VI to 18 feet. 



Of hatchets, that constructed by Courval (Fig. 82) is speci- 

 ally recommended. Fig. 83 represents a pushing chisel, with 

 which branches can be removed up to a moderate height. 

 Fig. 84 is a bow-less saw, and Fig. 85 an ordinary hand saw. 

 Fig. 86 is a saw in the shape of a bayonet fastened on a pole, 

 designed by the author ; it cuts with the downward stroke. 

 Fig. 87 represents Aider's pruning saw, which is also fastened 

 to a pole. The two last mentioned are specially recommended, 

 where the use of a ladder is not preferred. 



Wounds, which are so large that they are not likely to be 

 speedily closed by occlusion, must receive a waterproof cover- 

 ing; this is necessary even in pruning large branches of 

 coniferous trees. 



The most suitable covering consists of a layer of coal tar, 

 made sufficiently fluid by an addition of oil of turpentine, and 

 laid on with a brush. The artificial covering will only stick 

 on when the sap is down ; hence, in temperate Europe the best 

 time for pruning is autunni and the first half of winter. Dry 

 branches and snags may be cut off at any time of the year. 



