EVIL EFFECTS OF PRUNING. 255 



standing singly, and of bushy habit, yet making top- 

 growth equal to others growing in groups tall and 

 slender. 



We operated upon some larches, by cutting off two 

 or three years' growth, when the trees were about six 

 years planted. The trees were grown at an altitude of 

 about 600 feet, and the top-shoots were about 18 

 inches in length. This was done with a view of test- 

 ing the effects of a stimulated growth upon the trees, 

 when, to within four years from the time of the opera- 

 tion, there was a decidedly visible superiority of growth 

 upon them compared with those that had not been cut; 

 but this superiority of growth only continued a short 

 time, and nothing was ultimately gained by it, but, on 

 the contrary, considerable loss : hence, it should not be 

 practised. It is further recommended, in reference to 

 pruning, that no branch be cut from a tree that is not 

 doing positive harm or injury to it, and that every 

 branch be regarded as a source of nourishment to the 

 tree, and every leaf a medium through which the tree 

 is supplied with the elements which build it up. 



Spray or young shoots formed immediately after 

 cutting off branches, though vigorous and healthy at 

 first, will, unless the tree is in a very favoured and 

 vigorous state of growth, wholly or partly die or 

 grow sickly the second or third year, and the once 

 broad healthy leaves, which pruning was the cause 

 of producing, become only a noxious unsightly ap- 

 pendage. 



One of the causes of improper pruning being so 

 very common, is on account of the fallacious belief that 

 if one branch or limb is cut off, the sap which formerly 

 flowed into it will, after the amputation is done, simply 

 change its current and flow into the adjoining branch 



