CHOICE OF TREES. 25 



away, but if not, and the roots cannot be 

 placed so as to run in a direction on one side, 

 let them be cut back near to the trunk of the 

 tree; and if there be a side root, let it be laid 

 in such a direction, as that it will run from 

 the wall. 



The shortening of such roots in the man- 

 ner laid down, must not be adopted unless 

 absolutely necessary; which will seldom be 

 the case, but in extreme cases it may be 

 practiced. For when roots are allowed to 

 run in a direction to the wall, it always 

 injures the tree. 



All roots that are inclined to strike down 

 to the bottom of the border should be cut 

 away, providing they cannot be placed in an 

 horizontal direction. For when allowed to 

 remain in their natural position, by striking 

 so perpendicularly into the under stratum, 

 they are injurious to the trees; by causing 

 them to canker, and be otherwise diseased. 



In pruning away roots, always let them 

 be finished by a clean cut, and in a sloping 

 direction ; letting the slope be towards the 

 under stratum, so that the wet may not be 

 allowed to lodge upon the part so cut. 



When any large wounds are made, let 

 them be covered with a composition; (See 

 page 19) this applied to the wound keeps out 

 the wet and prevents it from damaging the 

 tree, which is the chief intention of compo- 

 sitions used in this way. 



E 



