‘ ON PRUNING FOREST TREES, ETC. 135 
or topped by black game, or some other accident. In such a 
case as this,—where on account of the thinness of the trees 
\ there are few or none to spare in thinning,—pruning, by 
reducing such to one stem, is an advantage. 
( (The figure of coniferous trees is in general all that could 
\ \, be desired, therefore close planting, and ‘early and repeated 
\\ thinning, are all that this tribe of plants generally require to 
bring their timber to maturity. 
; With respect to hardwood trees generally, in some situa- 
‘tions the necessity of pruning may be in a great measure 
| obviated by close planting and timely thinning. These means 
| are generally most effectual in producing straight and well- 
grown timber of every species. Where young trees stand 
| moderately close, their leading shoot, which is to form the 
! 
future bole of the tree, is guided upwards by its own natural 
efforts, and as the lateral branches of the one press gently on 
those of the others all round, they are prevented from acquir- 
ing an undue strength, and ultimately disappear, leaving 
straight and clean trunks, which are always of most value, 
except in the case of oak timber for shipbuilding, which 
should form an exception from the ordinary mode of treat- 
ment, as will be noticed in the sequel. 
All experienced foresters agree that the most beneficial 
pruning is that which begins early, doing little at a time, but 
repeating the operation frequently, and directing the ascend- 
ency of the leading shoot till the stem of the tree has acquired 
a proper form. When trees in a young plantation have pro- 
duced three, or, very thriving, two years’ growth, pruning 
should be commenced. The pruning-knife is the most suitable 
implement, and where the work is early and frequently 
attended to no other implement is required during the whole 
progress of forest pruning. 
The top is the principal part of the plant that requires 
attention, in order that only one shoot may be allowed to 
remain as a leader, the others next in size, if not very inferior, 
should be headed down to about one-half their length, and all 
the stoutest lateral branches shortened in the same manner. 
