GENERAL CULTURE 197 
Removal of terminal buds therefore will al- 
ways thicken growth rather than thin it, so in 
pruning to thin out remember that it is not 
enough to do less than remove an entire branch 
at the point where it rises. On the other hand, 
where heavier growth is desired, tips only 
should be cut away, thus inducing many 
branches. Cut down to the point whence you 
wish the thicker growth to spring, for it is al- 
ways from near the ends of the stubs that the 
branches will put forth; and prune always just 
above outstanding buds, to insure open growth 
and free center. 
The best time for pruning generally is when 
activity is at the highest point, but before 
growth has advanced sufficiently to cause waste 
through sacrificing it — hence in the spring, just 
as buds are bursting or about to burst. 
Wounds made at this time quickly heal, and 
the full effect of pruning for thicker growth is 
immediately gained. Spring flowering shrubs 
should not be pruned, however, until after they 
have finished blooming, otherwise their bloom 
will be lost. 
This matter of the healing of wounds is a 
most important one — as important to a tree 
as to a man. For an unhealed wound is ap 
invitation to disease which may ultimately 
