256 



Principles of Plant Culture. 



member that supports it and the blade should be in- 

 serted at the proximal side. Care is necessary to pre- 

 vent the blade from cutting too far. 



The pruning saw (Fig. 167) is useful for cutting off 

 large limbs. Two toothed edges are preferable to one, 

 as the second edge tends to prevent " pinching." It is 

 well to have the teeth on one edge point backward, as 

 this enables the saw to cut either when pushed or pulled. 

 Sometimes the blade is curved like a sabre, with the 

 teeth on the concave edge pointing backward. The 

 blade should taper nearly to a point, to enable it to 

 enter between crowded branches. 



FIG. 



FIG. 

 FIG. 



Pruning knife. 

 Pruning shears. 



FIG. 167. Pruning saw. 



FIG. 169. Hedge shears (much reduced). 



The pruning shears (Fig. 168) may be used for the same 

 purpose as the pruning knife, but they cut less smoothly, 

 and less close to the supporting member. They should be 



