84 PRACTICAL FORESTRY. 



We may sum up the foregoing remarks briefly as 

 follows : 



Render by good forestry pruning unnecessary, as 

 far as possible. 



When necessary, prune with judgment, not forget- 

 ting that the removal of branches and leaves reduces 

 the vital power of the tree. 



Prune in summer, as the circulation of sap is then 

 in full vigour, and wounds are more readily healed. 



Small branches may be cut with a sharp knife ; 

 larger branches with a pruning chisel, with an upward 

 blow from a wooden mallet ; still larger branches 

 with a saw, the rough surface being afterwards 

 smoothed and painted. 



When necessary to deal with large limbs, shorten 

 back rather than cut off close, and close to a side 

 branch. 



Never allow two leaders on any young tree, but 

 where they exist in large trees leave them alone. 



Maintain as far as possible the balance of the tree. 



Do not prune conifers at all, except under circum- 

 stances already referred to. 



Poplars, willows, &c., required for shelter or for 

 yearly cutting, may be cut back and converted into 

 pollards. 



Trees suffering from disease may be cut back more 

 or less severely, and life may thus be prolonged. 



Before transplanting large trees the leader may be 

 shortened, and the laterals reduced. 



