44 



FRUIT TREES. 



the pruning-knife exactly opposite the bud, and cut in 

 a slanting direction, in the line A B, coming out a 

 little above the bud. By this means the bud remains 

 uninjured, and the part more readily buds. 



If we cut higher than this point, in the line A B 

 (fig. 32), the wood dies down to the line C, leaving a 

 little dried stump, which has to be cut off the following 

 year. If we follow the line A B (fig. 33), the bud is 

 weakened, and its development will be much less 

 vigorous. 



When it is desired to cut away a branch entirely, 

 the cut is made quite at the base, always leaving, how- 



Fxg. 31. Cut for 1 Fig. 32. branch cut I Fig. 33. branch Fig. 34 Complete sup- 

 branch in pruning I too far from the bud | cut too slanting pression of branch. 



ever, a very small stump, A (fig. 34). "We thus make 

 a smaller wound, and it heals more rapidly than if it 

 had been cut closer to the stem. 



If a branch is too large to be cut with the knife, and 

 the saw has to be applied, it will be necessary to plane 

 or smooth off the rough part left by the saw, otherwise 

 the place will heal badly. If the parts that have been 

 cut are large, it will be desirable to cover with the 

 grafting mastic. 



