68 THE FOREST TREE CULTURIST. 
the wound with a sharp knife or chisel. An application of 
some material which will cover the wound and exclude 
water, is often beneficial where large wounds are made, 
but it is not necessary when only small branches are taken 
off. Various compositions are in use for this purpose, but 
common grafting-wax applied when warm, or gum-shellac 
dissolved in alcohol and applied with a brush, will exclude 
the air perfectly until there will be but little danger of 
decay. 
