108 THE NATURE AND PRACTICE 



to, by giving some one of the slioots the prefer- 

 ence, and, cutting away all the rest, allow it to be- 

 come the top. 



The proper manner of proceeding with the prun- 

 ing of forest trees, as they are newly lifted from the 

 nursery, and preparatory to planting them out into 

 the forest grounds, is to shorten all the stronger 

 branches that have the appearance of gaining 

 strength upon the top or leading shoot of the 

 young tree ; and tliis shortening of the larger 

 branches ought to be done in such a manner, as to 

 leave only about one third of their whole length 

 remaining, with, if possible, a few small twigs upon 

 it, in order the more readily to elaborate the sap 

 as it rises in the spring ; and in this state the young- 

 trees may be planted Avith the greatest assurance 

 of success. The great advantage of this method of 

 pruning young trees is, that when the sap rises in 

 them, the first summer after planting, there being 

 a regular supply of small proportionable branches 

 along the main stem, leaves are formed, and sap is 

 drawn up regularly to every part of the tree; 

 consequently, the tree maintains an equal vigour 

 throughout. Were all the branches left upon the 

 young trees, the roots, from the effects of removal, 

 would not be able to maintain the whole with due 

 nourishment ; and the consequence would very likely 

 be, that the plants would die down to the ground- 

 level, from wliich part of the trees numerous young 



