steuaet's planter's guide. 



301 



reacts to diminish the amount of all the new pro- 

 ducts. In tall trees, this greater deposition on the 

 stem, in proportion to that on the roots, twigs, and 

 leaves, some will think instinctive ; some ^vill refer 

 it to an effort of natm'e to supply the necessary 

 strength to enable the stem to resist the great strain 

 of the winds upon the elevated top. If it take place 

 to a greater extent than w^hat arises from the greater 

 elongation of the necessary vessels of communication, 

 perhaps it is owing to the evaporation or stagnation 

 of the sap on the tall exposed stem, and to the con- 

 siderable motion or wming of the stem by wind pro- 

 moting deposition, evincing one of the deep ba- 

 lancings of material cause and effect, or circumstan- 

 tial regulation, which mocks the wisdom of the wise. 

 We admit, also, that pruning, in the first place, im- 

 pedes formation of flower-buds, and will sometimes 

 thus prevent exhaustion of trees by seeding, which 

 is so prejudicial both to the quality and quantity 

 of the new wood deposit ; but the consequent great- 

 er length of stem, greater exposure to evaporation, 

 constriction of bark, and slenderer connecting tubes 

 between leaf and roots, all tend subsequently to pro- 

 mote formation of flower-buds, although the removal 

 of the lower branches may for a few seasons serve to 



