chap, v.] PRUNING. Ill 
branch may be divided by a clean cut* and 
not bruised on the side next the plant, and 
also to leave a somewhat sloping section. 
When a branch is pruned, it should also be 
cut as near to a bud as can be done without 
injuring the bud itself; or, to speak more 
definitely, not more in length than the 
branch is thick should be left beyond the 
bud. The cut should slope downwards 
from the bud to prevent the water lodging 
in the angle; and also that the sun and air 
may have their full influence in exciting the 
bark to cover the wound. When a long 
piece of branch, or what gardeners call a 
snag, is left beyond the bud, it withers, from 
there being no leaves beyond it to carry on 
the circulation of the sap; and it thus not 
only becomes a deformity, but very often 
seriously injures the tree by rotting, and 
infecting the fruit-bearing branch to which 
it is attached. 
According to the usual method of pruning 
with a knife, the gardener holds the branch 
in his left hand, below the part that is to be 
removed; and then, holding the knife firmly 
with the thumb at the back of the blade, he 
