INSTRUMENTS FOE PRUNING. 295 



with the evils that can arise from it, that in all cases, 

 when practicable, it should be adopted. 



The averuncator is also sometimes used with advan- 

 tage for similar purposes, but it is not so applicable in 

 cutting off close contending leaders as the common 

 pruning-chisel, nor yet branches over an inch diameter. 



" The most convenient tools for pruning," says the 

 French authority already quoted, " is the straight-bladed 

 cleaving-knife. Success in all operations of pruning 

 depends on the neatness of the cut, and this cannot 

 be attained with the common biU-hook used in many 

 parts of France. The best tool for the purpose is one 

 which has been used for many years in Holland, and 

 which has lately been improved by De Courval. It 

 weighs from 2 lb. 12 oz. to 3 lb. 6 oz., or more, accord- 

 ing to the strength of the workman. The blade is 

 reinforced in the middle, to increase its strength and 

 concentrate the weight. In the north of France, this 

 tool is generally hung to an iron hook attached to a 

 leather strap buckled round the workman's waist, who 

 is thus left perfectly free in his movements. 



" In pruning taU trees, or trees otherwise difficult 

 to climb, the leather belt may with advantage be 

 passed over the shoulder, thus bringing the pruning- 

 knife under the arm in a position from which it cannot 

 easily be dislodged in climbing. To ensure greater 

 safety in climbing tall trees, a stout cord attached to 

 the workman's waist may be fastened round the trunk 

 in such a manner, as to prevent, in case of accident, a 

 dangerous fall. A hatchet is useful, and facilitates 

 the operation of pruning ; it may be used with one or 

 both hands, and serves to lop off large branches, pro- 

 tuberances on the trunk, or the dead stumps of 

 branches, which from their hardness would soon dull 



