68 TREATISE ON 



§. I. Propositions. 



THE following propositions & their interpretations assume that the tree is 

 growing in an ordinary way exclusive of complications & special cases that can alter & 

 upset it. 



Proposition 1 . The branches & the roots of a tree are reciprocally related to each 

 another. They contribute mutually to one another's vigor & growth, & as a consequence 

 they mutually suffer when one or the other is cut back. 



If your pruning leaves the strong branches of a vigorous tree with too much 

 length, its roots will continue to strengthen. They'll multiply these strong branches and 

 the tree will convert to wood and won't set fruit at all. 



If you prune them too short & further rid the tree of its small branches, the roots 

 cease to function, and the tree will deteriorate. 



So a healthy tree's stronger branches must be retained & allowed a reasonable 

 length while pruning it in order to maintain this proportion & type of balance between its 

 branches & its roots. 



If by contrast a tree grows feebly, it's an indication that its roots lack vigor. It has 

 to be freed up during pruning, giving the best branches less length so that as they 

 strengthen, they'll fortify the roots as well. 



Proposition 2. A vigorous branch develops only on one side of a tree because for 

 some reason the sap runs more on that side than on any other. 



But this same reason will cause, or already has caused, a larger number of roots to 

 develop on the same side. As these roots promote & increase the strength of this branch 

 more and more, 



