Pruning. 147 



object aimed at in performing tliese operations. In this matter, the treat- 

 ment will vary with the kind of tree, and its natural form or habit. These 

 should be studied, and ever made our guide in pruning for shape. We 

 must follow Nature, and not attempt to thwart nor divert the natural bent 

 of the tree, as has been done in some formal ages of landscape-gardening, 

 when the topiary system was pursued, and trees were tortured into the most 

 grotesque forms, imitative of birds and beasts, pyramids, and architectural 

 designs. All such attempts are barbarous, though they may have required 

 an artist's eye and hand to produce the results. 



To be successful in pruning for shape, we must observe the natural habit 

 of the tree upon which we have to operate ; we should know what are its 

 most perfect forms, which will display its characters to the best advantage; 

 we must know whether it be drooping or erect, spreading or fastigiate, 

 massive or light and feathery, stiff or graceful. Thus, for a tree that natu- 

 rally assumes a symmetrical and conic form, we should aim to encourage 

 this character; and, to do so, we must keep the lower limbs growing : they 

 should not be shortened, much less removed. Those above them, on the 

 contrary, should be closely watched, and never allowed to extend their tips 

 beyond those of the tier of branches next below them : indeed, they must 

 be kept a little shorter, to preserve the conical shape of the tree. This 

 may be considered formal; but it is the distinctive feature we expect in the 

 specimen. This is what gives character to the landscape ; and these pecu- 

 liarities should be carefully preserved in each class of trees. It were folly 

 to attempt making a perfect cone from a Babylonian willow, or a gracefully 

 weeping-tree from a Norway spruce ; to give an umbrageous form to the 

 poplar of Lombardy, or an upright, fastigiate shape to the massive sugar- 

 maples or the wide-spreading burr-oaks of America. 



So with our orchard-trees : they have characters of their own. Each va- 

 riety may have a habit peculiar to itself, which should be studied for use 

 and for ornamental effect ; and this should be our guide in pruning. 

 Sometimes the habit may be bad, and we may be called upon to correct it ; 

 the tree may be too open and straggling, or too close and crowded : these 

 defects are to be remedied by judicious treatment. 



The season for performing this work of shaping the tree is a matter of 

 some consequence. Small limbs may be removed at any time ; but mid- 



