J?48 APPLICATION OF PBINCIPLES. 



accumulated in them, and then all which the roots are 

 capable of collecting during the period of repose will 

 be deposited in the space from b to a, and conse- 

 quently branches from that part will necessarily 

 push with excessive vigour. As, however, pruning 

 is by no means intended at all times to increase the 

 vigour of a plant, late or spring pruning, if not de- 

 ferred till the sap is in rapid motion, may be the more 

 judicious. 



With regard to pruning plants when transplanted, 

 there can be no doubt that it is more frequently inju- 

 rious than beneficial. It is supposed, or seems to be, 

 that when the branches of a transplanted tree are 

 headed back, the remaining buds will break with 

 more force than if the pruning had not been perform- 

 ed ; but it is to be remembered that a transplanted 

 tree is not in the state supposed in the case put at 

 page 235, fig. 31. Its roots are not fully in action, 

 but from the injuries sustained in removing they are 

 capable of exercising but little influence on the 

 branches. The great point to attain, in the first in- 

 stance, is the renovation of the roots, and that will 

 happen only in proportion to the healthy action of the 

 leaves and buds (31): if, therefore, the branches of a 

 plant are removed by the pruning knife, a great ob- 

 stacle is opposed to this renovation ; but, if they re ■ 

 main, new roots will be formed in proportion to their 

 healthy action. The danger to be feared is, that the 

 perspiration of the leaves may be so great as to ex- 

 haust the system of its fluid contents faster than the 

 roots can restore them, and in careless transplanting 



