242 PRACTICAL TREE REPAIR 



other considerations which make the tree valu- 

 able. 



Naturally, then, more apple trees have received 

 repair work and cavity treatment than any other 

 kind of tree. It is the purpose of the present 

 paragraphs to enquire into the value of fillings in 

 apple trees, and to try to formulate rules which 

 may govern their use, and also to point out the 

 special preventive measures which ought to be 

 used in the prevention of cavities in apple trees, 

 and the measures other than filling which are 

 applicable. 



In the first place we must distinguish the three 

 reasons which exist for filling holes in apple trees. 

 First, the trees may be filled simply for esthetic 

 efi^ect, decay being considered unpleasant by most 

 people, on account of the popular association of 

 decay, even in trees and buildings, with human 

 death and disease, unless the decay is accompanied 

 by an extraordinary degree of picturesqueness. 

 Secondly, the trees may be filled to preserve them 

 as ornaments to the home grounds or on account 

 of their sentimental value. Thirdly, they may 

 be filled to preserve them for their economic value 

 as fruit producers. 



Of fillings inspired by the first purpose it need 

 only be said, what may seem superfluous, that, in 

 case the entire elimination and prevention of de- 

 cay and the restoration of the tree are decided to 



