348 



NeiD Invention for Pruning Trees. 



We have been induced to make the above remarks from having 

 recently witnessed the operation of a pruning chisel, that admira- 

 bly executes the object for which it was designed. The accom- 

 panying engravings disclose a sectional plan of the invention, 

 and also a view of the operation of the instrument. Its construc- 

 tion as is apparent, is exceedingly simple, comprising a broad 



chisel, fabricated from the best steel for edge tools ; this is securely 

 fastened 1o an iron rod, varying in thickness from a half to one 

 inch. The rod works like a piston, in a hollow tube, with, how- 

 ever, sufficient play to render its 

 movement perfectly free. A long 

 handle, or a short one, if more con- 

 venient, is firmly attached to all. 

 To operate the chisel, it is, by a 

 dexterous movement, plunged into 

 the wood, which partially severs it, 

 and leaves the blade tightly embed- 

 ded. The operator then withdraws 

 the handle which slides upon the 

 iron rod, and is prevented from sep- 

 arating by a nut or bolt head : it is "-^ 

 then driven violently against the ,-^ 

 shoulder of the chisel, which, in two ^^^ 

 or three similar contacts, generally ' 

 cuts throiigh the branch. It will be ■. 

 perceived that the principle involved 

 is the same as that of the carpenter 

 who uses the ordinary chisel for morticing a piece of timber. 

 That this instrument will prove serviceable, convenient, and labor 

 saving, we cannot entertain a doubt. It can be used with a short 

 handle while in the tree, for the purpose of lopping branches with- 

 out the reach, and which it would be unsafe to approach. In case 

 a very long handle is required, moveable joints can be used, con- 

 nected with stout iron ferrules. The name of the inventor of this 

 i ngenious instrument is W. Harvey, of Saltville, Virginia. Per" 



