150 



PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF PRUNING 



style of spring is a matter of preference. The author likes 

 the style shown in Fig. 109 a, because it is less likely to be- 

 come caught in branches than are the styles shown in b 

 and c. For general orchard work the shears should 

 be rather heavy, with a handle long enough in propor- 

 tion to the length of the blade to give plenty of power 

 when cutting fairly large branches. A 10-inch size is 



FIG. 109 PRUNING SHEARS OF VARIOUS STYLES 



a, Author's preference because spring is strong, small and not likely to be 

 fouled with twigs; b, undesirable form of spring because, unless very stiff likely 

 to be pulled loose by twigs caught in it; handle also poorly adapted to hand; 

 c, parrot's beak (see Fig. 110), spring not very good form; d, French style, 

 author's second choice, but preferred by many fruit growers; e, hedge trimmers, 

 ordinary style. An improvement is the hollowing of the blade near the hinge so 

 as to hold large limbs and prevent slipping. More costly, but decidedly better. 



about right for general orchard work; a smaller one for 

 cutting twigs and berry bushes. Double-handed shears 

 have their special uses in removing larger branches than 

 could be cut easily with the single-hand shears. Unless 

 kept very sharp they are likely to do injury to the parts 

 left. Therefore, the saw should be preferred to them 

 wherever it can be used. 

 130. Pruning saws ( Figs. Ill, 115 to 117 ) are by no means 



