PRUNING RESERVE TREES. 



47 



trunk and stimulating the growth of the top of the 

 tree (Fig. 45). A tree is never so old that prun- 

 ing, if practised with judg- 

 ment and skill, cannot pro- 

 long its life and increase 

 its value. 



The restoration of an old 

 Oak maybe cited in this con- 

 nection. This tree, which 

 stood in a hedge-row, was 

 probably two hundred years 

 old and had suffered ter- 

 ribly from neglect and mu- 

 tilation. The lower por- 

 tion of the trunk was 

 covered with the dead 

 stumps of branches (Fig. lng ' 



46), their numerous protuberances being rilled with 

 cavities, and bristling with vigorous shoots. The top 

 had begun to decay, and the tree seemed destined to 

 speedy death. In pruning this tree, it became neces- 

 sary to make, in the space of a few feet, no less than 

 seven wounds ten to twenty inches wide, in addition 

 to many others of smaller size (Fig. 47). In spite of 

 this heroic treatment the tree improved remarkably 

 in health and vigor ; and the numerous wounds made 

 on the trunk by the amputation of dead branches en- 

 tirely healed over, as may be seen in Fig. 48. 



It must be acknowledged that, had this Oak been 

 left in the condition to which neglect had reduced it, 



Fig. 45. Very old tree ; first prun- 



