PRUNING OLD TREES 149 



cuts. The wounded part should be covered with some 

 material like white lead paint to protect the open cut. Occa- 

 sionally grafting wax is used, but this material is expensive 

 and not very satisfactory. Other materials have often been 



Fig. 69. — An injured tree repaired with cement. 



recommended, but the safest course to follow is to apply those 

 materials which are known to be safe and efficient. The 

 wound dressing should be applied carefully and the careless 

 daubing of the surrounding bark should be avoided. 



