132 



PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF PRUNING 



When branches as thick as one's little finger or some- 

 what larger are to be cut close to the main trunk, leaving 

 the 6-inch stubs will be found a decided advantage for 

 another reason ; namely, the ease of cutting. For when 

 branches of these sizes are to be cut with a knife, as they 

 should be, far less effort will be needed if the branch is 

 bent upward or toward the trunk or main limb. A l)ranch 

 that would require about all one's strength to cut while 



FIG. 91— SECOND CUT PROPERLY MADE IN SAWING OFF LARGE LIMBS 

 This is the same branch as shown in Fig. 90. Notice Here is no splittin^^ or 

 tearing of the wood, as in Fig. 89. All that is necessary now is to saw off' the short 

 stub close to the remaining limb. 



in iKjrmal position may, when so bent, be cut as easily 

 as cheese, and a smoother, neater job done as well. This 

 is one of the most valuable points to remember in prun- 

 ing newly set trees. 



This matter of twig pruning has special importance in 

 the training of trees as dwarfs (270), espaliers, cordons, 

 etc. (Chapter XVII), for much of the successful fruiting 



