264 How to Prune the Apple. 



Art. V. How to Prune the Applp. By R. Thompson, Su- 

 perintendent of the Orchard and Kitchen-Garden Depart- 

 ment of the London Horticultural Society. From the 

 Gardeners' Chronicle. 



The art of pruning, though generally considered as of 

 easy attainment, is often very little understood, even by 

 many who profess to have made it their study ; lopping off 

 limbs here and there, cutting out cross-wood, and " shorten- 

 ing in," a phrase in every body's mouth who has any thing 

 to dp with trees, may be performed by the merest tyro in 

 gardening. These operations do not constitute the art of 

 pruning ; as well might the cultivator of trees be called 

 a pomologist. The art of pruning consists in a knowledge 

 of the capacities of trees for producing wood, — the relative 

 position which the shoots will assume when full-grown, — 

 their probable vigor and strength, — an appreciation of the 

 properties of form and proportion, — and the judgment, so to 

 cut each branch or spur, that every portion of the tree 

 shall receive a due amount of air and light, and the future 

 branches the inclination and form which it is desired they 

 should assume. To do this, in the best manner, is no easy 

 task, and all, who have imagined it to be so, will find, after 

 a little experience, that they are entirely mistaken. 



After reading the several articles by Mr. Thompson, which 

 we have given in our previous numbers, we have no doubt 

 the difficulties to be overcome, in acquiring the art of prun- 

 ing, will be apparent to all. It is, however, impossible 

 to make every operation understood by reading, notwith- 

 standing they are so well illustrated by excellent engravings : 

 practice alone can make perfect ; yet the elements of the art 

 are plainly laid down, — and all who will read carefully and 

 proceed cautiously, cannot fail to accomplish good results, 

 and in time become experts in the art of pruning trees. 



With these cursory remarks, we shall not longer detain the 

 reader from Mr. Thompson's advice on pruning the apple : — 



