66 



wide, being 4 to 6 or 8 inches. It often happens that only 

 the outer bark is removed; as & rule, however, the wood is 

 completely bared. 



If the girdle is quite narroM-, not exceeding 1 or 2 inches, it 

 may be possible to save the tree by mounding with earth, 

 provided the girdled area has not become thoroughly dried 

 by long exposure. This remedy is recommended by many 

 writers on the subject, and by a few practical growers who 

 say they have tried it. This department has not given it a 

 trial and cannot recommend it from experience. It might be 

 well worth while trying out on a few of the less valuable trees. 



Where trees are not completely girdled they usua,lly re- 

 cover, particularly if they be young and vigorous. If the bark 

 remains intact over half of the circumference they may be 

 considered safe. If the bark area is reduced to a quarter, 

 then it will be well to set in one or two bridges on the side 

 opposite to the area of sound bark. 



Where trees are completely girdled one of two methods of 

 repairing may be used, depending upon the age or size of the 

 trunk. If trees are quite small, such as one and two year 

 trees, it is often advisable to cleft graft them. The small size 

 of the tree renders any other method a rather difficult proc- 

 ess, while the cleft graft is relatively easy and perhaps much 

 more satisfactory. Because of the well-established root system, 

 the scion will make a very vigorous growth, and apparently the 

 tree does not suffer any greater setback than if bridged, and 

 besides a more shapely tree will result. Furthermore, it is less 

 expensive in the amount of time required to do the work. 



Bridge grafting is the most satisfactory recourse for trees 

 older than two years. The purpose of the bridge is to provide 

 a channel for the immediate downward flow of the elaborated 

 plant food, since the removal of the bark has destroyed the 

 natural channels of sap flow to the roots. Eventually, how- 

 ever, as the girdled portion becomes thoroughly dried, the 

 circulation of sap between top and roots is taken care of by 

 the bridges, which soon become a part of the tree, enlarging 

 and finally growing together, until after some years an en- 

 largement or ribbed bulge on the trunk of the tree marks the 

 point of injury. Trees that have been bridged do not present 



