THE EARTH'S BOUNTY 



reached its full growth? If so, it should be 

 removed before it deteriorates in value. Sec- 

 ond, what is its value to its neighbors? If they 

 are a mixed crowd of well-developed but still 

 growing trees, it is cut down without further 

 consideration, as the neighbors will soon 

 spread and fill the space left by its removal. 

 But should the adjacent growth be many gen- 

 erations younger, it is allowed to remain, be- 

 cause its removal will permit too much sun and 

 air to reach the ground. Moreover, deprived 

 of the annual benediction of its leaves, the soil 

 would cease to produce the amount of plant 

 food required by the growing crop. 



But should the tree under consideration be 

 seriously decayed, species has to be taken into 

 consideration. If it is a chestnut, it is decapi- 

 tated about three feet above the ground, the 

 cut being made diagonally across the trunk, 

 to prevent water lodging on the stump, which 

 would cause decay. Such a chestnut stump 

 quickly sends up a goodly stock of sprouts, to 

 furnish shade for the ground, and leaves to 



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