FISHERIES, GAME AND FORESTS. 369 



This method is favored by some because, when trees are taken up in the spring the 

 "callus" which forms on the mutilated roots will not put out its white, hairy-like fibres 

 in time to furnish sap for the early buds that are dependent on them; but when taken 

 up in the fall and heeled in, the callus forms during the winter, and is ready with its 

 new fibrous growth to furnish nourishment as soon as transplanted. 



Pruning — As trees grow larger and older they require pruning occasionally to 

 improve their shape, to remove dead limbs, and, in the case of very old trees, to 

 restore them to vigor. This work should not be entrusted to ignorant, inexperienced 

 men, as is too often the case. Men of this class frequent our cities and solicit employ- 

 ment as tree pruners. With glib tongues they describe the defects, real or otherwise, 

 in street or lawn trees, and obtain permission to do some work. As a result beautiful 

 specimens have been disfigured or irremediably injured in many of our cities. When- 

 ever any extensive pruning becomes necessary proper means should be taken to secure 

 the services of skilful, experienced men, with testimonials or recommendations signed 

 by some competent authority in such matters. 



Some of our best shade trees can be improved in appearance occasionally by 

 trimming or cutting back in order to correct irregularities or attain some form better 

 adapted to the situation. Such work can be done without injury to the trees; but it 

 can be done safely only by a skilful, professional tree pruner. 



When a tree becomes "stag headed" by dying at the top, the dead limbs thus 

 exposed should be cut oft, and the rest of the tree may be trimmed somewhat to 

 correct the irregularity in its general outline. Old trees that have become bare and 

 unsightly may often be restored to temporary vigor and clothed with foliage by 

 severe pruning. But, with the latter exception, all pruning is better done. sparingly. 

 Some species, hard maples for instance, along a walk or driveway can be made more 

 serviceable under certain conditions by increasing their height, which is accomplished 

 by cutting off a few of the lower limbs. But this operation requires careful, intelligent 

 work, and should not be resorted to unless there are special reasons for it. Pruning is 

 necessary, at times, the same as surgery, and is successful only when skilfully done. 



Whenever a branch is removed, whether a dead or a live one, it must be cut off 

 close to and even with the trunk, no matter how large the wound. The new wood and 

 bark will then, in time, cover the denuded space. The process by which this recovery 

 is accomplished is well explained in Des Cars treatise on tree pruning,* a copy of 

 which should be in the possession of every one who owns or has charge of trees. If 

 a branch is not cut off close to the trunk, the projecting stub soon decays, its bark falls 



* A Treatise on Pruning Forest and Ornamental Trees. By A. Des Cars. Translated from the 

 French, with an introduction, by Charles S. Sargent, Professor of Arboriculture in Harvard College. 

 Published by the Massachusetts Society for the Promotion of Agriculture. Boston, 1894. 



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