THE PRINCIPLES OF PRUNING. 



235 



shrivel by spring, and if the shoots were shortened to these 

 weakly growth would be the inevitable result. On the 

 whole', therefore, we maintain that it is wise to defer the 

 pruning of trees planted in autumn or winter until the sap 

 begins to circulate freely. 



Points to Observe in Pruning. In pruning a shoot, 

 special care should be taken always to cut back to a wood 



Fig. 104. BARROW'S PATENT 

 PRUNER. 



A strong and useful tool for pruning 

 trees in winter. Cuts with a knife-like 

 action and does not bruise the shoots. 



Fig. 105. POWERFUL 

 PRUNING SHEARS. 



Useful for cutting- off strong 

 branches. Known as Aubert's Pruning 

 Shears. A French invention. 



bud pointing outwards, so that the future shoot may de- 

 velop in the right direction. The cut, too, should be 

 made close to the apex of the bud, and with a slight slope 

 behind it. Never make the cut below the apex of the bud, 

 nor leave a " snag " i.e., a portion extending far above 

 the bud as this piece of wood will gradually die owing to 



