'] 
but if the summer processes have been well attended to, there will be little to do in the way of winter 
pruning-, at least, much less than formerly. 
However sound and correct the general rules for pruning may be, as there is no rule without ex- 
ception, so, in this ease, much must be left to the discretion of the operator ; but there are certain 
fundamental principles which must not be lost sight of under any circumstances ; these are : — 
1. To expose every part of the tree to the full action of solar light. 
2. To allow no branches or foliage to be produced which cannot perform their functions properly ; 
to arrest their growth in an embryo state, rather than allow them to misappropriate the food which by 
attention might be made available to the results which are desired. 
3. Always to remember that fruitfulness and luxuriant growth are opposite qualities, and that what 
is conducive to the one is inimical to the other. 
4. To endeavour' to avoid the extremes of luxuriance and fruitfulness, nothing being more injurious 
in its effects than the weakness induced by over-cropping. To endeavour, in fine, so to regulate the 
energies of the tree, that, while it produces fruit, it has sufficient strength to perfect it. 
The primer, then, has a delicate and complicated operation to perform ; one that cannot be perpe- 
trated in ruthful ignorance, but must be based upon a knowledge of the laws of vegetable physio- 
logy, and confirmed by practice, reading, and constant observation, and withal adroitly executed. I 
proceed to apply these remarks to the various subjects which come under the heads of forestial and 
horticultural pruning. I shall, under the former head, consider and offer some suggestions upon (1.) The 
nursery treatment of young forest trees as to root pruning : (2.) Pruning the branches of trees intended 
for timber and effect : (3.) The pruning of fruit trees and its application to particular subjects,™., 
the Vine, Fig, Peach, Morello Cherry, Plum, Cherry, Apple and Pear, Gooseberry and Currant, 
Raspberry, and the Filbert. 
SUGGESTIONS RESPECTING THE NURSERY TREATMENT OF YOUNG TREES AS TO ROOT PRUNING. 
The importance of early education, in forming the human character, is universally admitted. 
" Train up a cliild in the way he should go," says the wise man. We say, apply the same principle 
to your trees, and whatever is their ultimate object or destination, begin early " the delightful task" 
of teaching them " how to shoot." 
The treatment which the roots of trees receive in the nursery, is, in our opinion, of material im- 
portance, and may differ much, with equal propriety, according to the object of the planter, who may 
either desire to induce rapid and luxuriant growth, or to obtain fructiferous properties. It is customary, 
in most nurseries, to cut the roots of seedling oaks with a spade in the second year of then- growth, to 
transplant frequently afterwards, and, on every occasion of removal, to trim the strongest roots. The 
plants so treated are generally considered eligible for removal ; they are sure to live ; but instead of 
sending up good leaders, they mostly produce weak shoots, and grow stunted and forked, having a stronger 
resemblance to the miniature old trees of the Chinese gardeners than the characteristic vigour of the 
British oak. Rapid growth is a condition not to be disregarded in growing trees for timber, provided 
always that such growth is fully exposed to the influence of solar light, which alone can give solidity 
to the newly formed tissues. It appears to us. that, when we contrast the means given by nature to the 
oak for ample development and sturdy growth, we arc not taking the proper course to attain our ends, 
as it is most probable that the finest oaks nsw in existence, (such, for instance, as the Panshanger), 
are the offspring of acorns which accidentally sprang up where they still stand. Such was, doubtless, 
the origin of the largest oaks at Windsor; and those magnificent relics of the once royal domain of 
Woodstock which are still remaining, the almost imperishable record of past ages. Surely, when wc 
view these noble products of unassisted nature, it should lead us to reflect upon the fitness of our cus- 
tomary procedure, and ask ourselves if it may not he a blind empiricism, rather than rational prac- 
tice. We require vigour; we take the most effectual means to check it. 
The observation we are about to make does not precisely fall within the scope of this article, but as 
it is collateral with it, we think it not irrelevant to say. that we believe that if our forest trees were 
sown where they are to remain, or planted permanently when very young, it would tend much to re- 
store them to their pristine vigour, and induce those gigantic proportions which we alone see or read 
of as developed in natural forests. 
The axiom that whatever is conducive to luxuriant growth is inimical to productiveness, has been 
touched upon. We will only now say that it lias also a vice versa bearing. It follows, therefore, that 
although it is not wise to curtail the young roots of our forest trees, ii is most sound, sensible, and effi- 
cient practice, to control those of our fruit trees. We would scrupulously preserve the tap root of an 
Oak or a Pine, but would utterly annihilate such an organ in the Apple. Pear, Plum, or anj other 
mmML 
