9 8 



Principles and Practice of Priming. 



is to render trees more dwarfish, and operates not unlike grafting 

 on dwarf stocks ; or in the same way, but in less degree, that trans- 

 planting produces a like result. It should usually be done early in 

 spring, and with a spade ground sharp and kept solely for this pur- 

 pose, so that the roots may be cut off 

 smoothly, and not torn or bruised, as 

 with a dull spade,, Any required de- 

 gree of check may be given to the tree 

 by cutting the roots short or near the 

 foot of the stem a less check by allow- 

 ing greater length. 



Trees which are kept in good shape 

 while young will not require heavy 

 pruning in after years. But orchards 

 rarely receive this perfect management, 

 and more or less pruning occasionally 

 becomes necessary. The owner is often 

 unable to attend in person to all the de- 

 tails, or to direct the laborer in the re- 

 moval of each successive limb. 



To obviate this difficulty, attach a 

 cylinder of chalk to a rod several feet 

 in length, in the manner represented 

 in Fig. 127^, and taking this rod in the 

 hand, make a distinct white chalk-mark 

 at the precise spot where the pruning 

 saw is to cut through for the removal 

 of the rejected branch. The workman 

 follows with the saw, and cuts off every 

 branch at the right place, with greater 

 Fig. 127^. accuracy than verbal directions could 



point out, and without hesitation or delay. The owner may mark 

 out enough work with the chalk in an hour to occupy the laborer 

 through the day, and the whole operation be performed with skill 

 and accuracy. If the trees are tall the marking may be done on 

 horseback. 



