88 GENERAL PRINCIPLES. 



that existed between the roots and stem, and in such a 

 condition the tree is unable to grow. The demand upon 

 the roots must therefore be lessened, by reducing the stem 

 and branches in length or number, or both ; and the more 

 the roots have suffered, the greater must be the reduction 

 of the stem and branches, to bring them to a correspond- 

 in condition. 



PRUNING MECHANICALLY CONSIDERED. 



Having now treated of the principles on which prun- 

 ing depends, it remains to speak of its mechanical execution ; 

 for it is not only necessary to know what and why, but 

 how to prune. Theory is only useful as it serves to guide 

 in practice. 



1st. Pruning Stems or Branches . The great point to 

 be observed in making incisions on the stems and branches 

 of trees, is to provide for the speedy and perfect healing 

 of the wounds or cut surfaces. In removing a portion of 

 a branch or stem, if we cut between two joints, and thus 

 leave a portion of wood above the bud intended to be 

 cut to, as in fig. 79, this wood dies, and we have the 

 trouble of another pruning to remove it. If we cut too 

 close to the bud, and thus remove a portion of the wood 

 with which it is connected, as in fig. 80, the bud will 

 either die or disappoint us by producing a very feeble 

 gi'owth. The proper way is to take the branch to be 

 operated on in the left hand, place the edge of the knife 

 on it, opposite the lower part of the bud to be cut to, 

 and then make a firm, quick, smooth draw-cut, slop- 

 ing upwards, so that the knife will come out on a level 

 with the point of the bud, as in fig. 81. In soft- 

 wooded, pithy trees, like the grape vine, for example, 

 half an inch of wood ought to be left above the bud. 

 The cut should also be made as much as possible on tho 



