264 PRINCIPLES OF PLANT CULTURE 



The two illustrated in Figs. 168 and 169 are in common 

 use and are of the better types. 



The pruning shears (Fig. 170) may be used for the same 

 purpose as the pruning knife, but they cut less smoothly, 

 and less close to the supporting member. They should be 

 used with the beveled edge of the blade in close contact 

 with the supporting member. They are excellent for 

 cutting cions (386), and making cuttings (358). The 

 form shown in the figure is one of the best. 



The hedge shears (Fig. 171) are especially useful for 

 pruning hedges. 



The lever shears (Fig. 172) are useful for cutting off 

 sprouts about the base of trees. 



The pole shears (Fig. 173) are useful for cutting back 

 the shoots of tall trees, and for removing sap sprouts 

 (223), though for this purpose they have the fault of 

 the pruning shears in not cutting sufficiently close to 

 the branch. They should not be used for shoots much 

 exceeding one-half inch in diameter. 



The raspberry hook (Fig. 174) is used for cutting off 

 the dead fruiting canes of the raspberry and black- 

 berry. The cutting part is made of a rod of good steel, 

 five-sixteenths inch in diameter, flattened and curved as 

 shown, with a moderately thin edge on the concave 

 side of the curve. The handle should be about three 

 feet long. 



The following books are recommended for reading in 

 connection with the preceding chapter : The Nursery- 

 Book, Bailey ; Greenhouse Construction, Taft ; Barry's 

 Fruit Garden, Barry ; The Art of Grafting, Baltet ; The 

 Pruning-Book, Bailey; How to Make the Garden Pay, 

 Greiner. 



