99 



closing the bark of each between the two. 

 This prevents the deposit of any new wood 

 on those parts of the inside of either leader, 

 and consequently also prevents the perfect 

 junction, or anastomosing of the wood 

 of the two leaders. Besides this, water 

 lodges in the hollow at the fork ; and a 

 frost which is severe enough to freeze 

 this water will rend apart the trunk of the 

 sturdiest oak to a certainty. 



Early and constant pruning will avoid 

 the cause of these fruitful sources of decay 

 in timber. 



If the heads of trees are dying in, from 

 accidental blight, or from the destruction 

 of their leaves and shoots by a strong 

 south-wester, or from frost, &c., in all 

 cases they should be cut in, not only to 

 where the boughs are alive, but to where 

 they are vigorous, and, if possible, at the 

 foot of a living twig. If the dying boughs 

 are left on the tree, the sap goes up them, 

 without the power of breaking out or 

 G 2 



