GARDENING FoR ALL. 119 
Having found the tap-roots let them be severed with a 
sharp knife, saw, or long-handled chisel and mallet. The 
lower part of the root should be got out if possible ; but if this 
cannot be done, then as much of it as possible should be cut 
away, anda tile or slate should be placed under the root 
i 
; 
} A. Root chopped through 
with spade. 
B. Root with end pro- 
perly trimmed. 
C, Root with end wrong- 
ly trimmed. 
Right method of root-pruning, and 
preservation of fibrous roots. 
already cut, to induce new roots to assume a horizontal 
position. We must next proceed to examine the ordinary 
roots, and cut smoothly with a sharp knife the ends of all the 
roots that were injured, taking care that the cut be upwards 
and outwards. 
The roots may now be re-planted in the usual way, placing 
each set of roots in their own layer of soil and not altogether 
at one level. Proceed as with re-planting a tree, and finish off 
in the manner recommended in planting fruit trees in the 
matter of mulching, &c. 
October is the best month for root-pruning or root-lifting 
trees. 
