THE TRADE OF TREE REPAIR 235 



there is no regular way to learn to repair trees. 

 A few months with a good gang will give a man 

 a fair start, but it is essential that this practical 

 experience be supplemented by the study of the 

 many books and government reports bearing on 

 pruning, plant diseases, and noxious insects. Go- 

 ing into the woods and chopping rotten trees to 

 pieces is an excellent laboratory training in con- 

 nection with this reading. A man who develops 

 a " tree sense " rapidly, masters the tricks of the 

 cambium, and is endowed with a moderate amount 

 of native gumption, will get hold of the work in 

 short order. 



When a man has learned the trade and is ready 

 to set up for himself, there are several ways in 

 which he can get into connection with the work. 

 The old rule that every satisfied client brings an- 

 other, holds in this as in every other trade and 

 profession. If there is a professional landscape 

 architect in the arboricultural workman's home 

 town, he will be very glad to know of some one to 

 whom to direct his clients. Landscape architects 

 of other cities may also be interested. A card 

 sent around to the owners of suburban estates, to 

 the superintendents of cemeteries, and to improve- 

 ment societies, will start connections which will 

 quickly lead up to a large clientele. 



Every effort should be made to secure regular 

 clients who wish their trees inspected and given 



