PBUXIXG. 



137 



ered ; ordinary paint, melted grafting wax, or shellac 

 yarnish will answer to protect the bare wood from air and 

 moisture, and prevent decay. 



In pruning it is well to remember that the future 

 shape of the tree will be materially affected by the 

 position upon the branch of the bud to which the 

 cut is made ; the upper bud left on the branch will 

 continue the growth, and the new shoot will be in the 

 direction of that bud. If 

 a young tree is, as in fig. 

 51, to have all its branches, 

 shortened, and each is cut 

 to a bud, a, pointing to- 

 wards the center of the tree, 

 the tendency of the new 

 growth will all be inward, 

 as in fig. 52 ; while if all 

 be cut to an outside bud, 

 b, the result will be to 

 spread the growth, as in 

 fig. 53. As to the time of 

 pruning, about which there 

 has been much discussion, 

 it may be done on small 

 stems at any time after the 

 fall of the leaf, before the growth starts in the spring, 

 but for the removal of large branches, late in winter is 

 regarded as the best time. Pinching is of course done 

 whenever it is needed. 



Fig. 51. Fig. 52. Fig. 53. 



PRUNING FOR SHAPE. 



