CHAP. V.] 
PRUNING. 
115 
weaken or disfigure the wood; while a tree 
intended for a screen should be allowed 
ample space for its branches to spread from 
the ground upwards* and then they should 
only be shortened at their extremities* to 
i 
make them throw out short branches near 
the tree. In pleasure-grounds the principal 
object is generally either to preserve the 
shape of the tree or shrub* so that it may 
form an agreeable object on a lawn; or to 
let it combine in a group with others* either 
for ornament* or to serve as a screen or 
shelter. In the first case* it is obvious that 
no pruning is requisite* but to remove dead* 
diseased* or unsightly branches; and in the 
second* the pruning must depend upon the 
shape the tree is required to take to group 
well with the others planted near it. 
Pruning to produce flowers or fruit has in 
view two objects: first* to cut off all super¬ 
fluous wood* so as to throw the strength of 
the tree into the fruit-bearing branches; and 
secondly* to admit the sun and air into the 
interior of the tree to ripen and strengthen 
the wood. In both cases the attention of 
the pruner must be directed to thinning out 
i 2 
