50 THE FOREST TREE CULTURIST. 
growth of the tap-root was encouraged, 
Y Thus by changing the habit of the 
plant we increase its growth. 
Seedling trees of one season’s growth 
seldom have many side branches; but 
when there are any, it is best to cut 
them entirely away, preserving only 
the one main stem. The main shoot 
\ should not be disturbed, except in some 
abe" : 
Be particular cases that may occur, as we 
So wish to get a straight stem at the 
start, no matter whether we wish to 
head it back in after years or not. 
Long and elaborate essays upon the 
cutting off the tap-root are to be found 
in nearly all of our larger works on 
Horticulture, some in favor of, and 
others denouncing, the practice with 
all the theory at command. I believe 
it.to be best to cut them off, as it ren- 
ders the young tree more convenient 
to plant, besides placing it in a position 
most favorable to its future growth. 
When we allow the plants to remain 
Pail in the seed-beds two years, there will 
be more or less side branches upon 
them. It is best to cut most of these 
off—all the largest, at least, as by do- 
ing this we preserve the equilibrium 
between root and top, as more or less 
Fig. 13. 
CE = 
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