PRUNING. 231 



within due bounds by a very simple method of pruning 

 recommended by Mr. Billington, viz. by pinching off 

 from time to time the leading buds of the branches. 

 This induces a spray-covered, rather than a naked 

 stem ; and prevents the encroachment of the branches, 

 without destroying their character as nurses. By the 

 same means, fir trees may be formed into impervious 

 screens, or sheltering hedge-like boundaries ; very 

 useful in many cases of rural improvement. 



Ash timber is produced of superior quality by being 

 grown in close order ; its toughness and clearness of 

 grain makes it enviable material for the coach maker. 

 Straight, smooth sticks of ash, fifty feet in length, and 

 from eight to twelve inches diameter, are highly 

 prized by all machine makers. Whether for timber 

 or underwood this tree should always be grown in 

 plantations by itself; not only because of its greater 

 rapidity of growth, but because it is a most noxious 

 tree in hedge rows, or as standing single in corn fields 

 or meadows. 



Oak and elm are best suited for hedge rows. It is 

 incredible how much elm timber can be raised in 

 hedge order. And as the superiors are cut down, a 

 constant succession of young stems are rising from 

 the old roots. No tree bears pruning so well as the 

 elm. So severely is this executed in Middlesex and 

 elsewhere, that a very small branch only is left at the 

 top every time the tree is shredded. This property of 

 being unhurt by wholesale pruning, is owing to the 

 vivency of the tree which, being every where studded 



