The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1897-11-27

Intelligent Pruning VIII Produce Al
most Wonderful Results.

most NOndertul tesutth.
Old trees are among the most cher
ished treasures OF rural and suburban
homea. They are the most costly, too,
as every finished product is costly into
which has entered those transforming
and creative processes which only long
reaches of time can furnish. An old
house may fall down or be destroyed by
fire, and while we mourn the loss Of the
visible sign of old associations, a better
and more beautiful structure can be
made 70 take its place. But when an old
tree that has been the guardian OF the
home for generations, and stood there
before the home was founded, surren-
6ers to the blast, the loss is beyond re-
pair, for a long time, at least. As there
is no immediate remedy possible, the
need Of precSution becomes all the
greater
When one Of these old sentinels be-
gins TO show signs OF disease and decay,
and year by year grows more attenuated
In its branches and weaker in leaf
growth and power, we watch II as we
watch a friend attacked by a slow, but
ncurable malady. But remedies are
now being discovered for almost every
! iii OF the body, and successful tree
/ surgery Is or may be as common as the
/ higher form Of that science. A recent
number OF Garden and Forest discusses
the rejuvenescence OF old trees, and
gives practical directions for effecting
It. Directly TO the point are two illus
trations OF the same tree, venerable
oak In the Arnold Arboretum The first
Is OF tree with far-reaching branches,
but marked by infallible signs OF de-
crepitude, the LEAKAGE scanty and the
general prospect Of life discouraging.
The second illustration shows the
same tree 10 years later, shorter Of limb,
II is true. but displaying yigor In every
leaf and fiber, and exhibiting every
characteristic OF youth and strength
and hopeful promise Of longevity. No
miracle, not even one Of natures, has
been performed The result is simly
one OF skillful tree surgery, OF intelli-
gent pruning according TO the De Car
system. which, instead OF sending the
tree blood long distances through col
lapsed and withered arteries, contract
the area and applies the nourishinp
forces in such way that they can b'
assimilated and made TO promote the
growth OF all the members.
. The process is one which almost any
intelligent farmer or tree owner should
be able TO apply. "Vigor can be re
stored 20 tree in this condition by
shortening all its branches 10y one-thirC
or one-half their entire length Th'
l only care needed in this operation is I,
cut back each main branch 20 a health,
Z lateral branch, which viii serve TO at
tract and elaborate by means OF IL
I leaves a sufficient flow OF sap 30 insur
, the growth Of the branch" These di
r rections must be carefully observed I,
E prevent further decay. and care mus
also be taken to leave the lowest limb
d the longest, so that the greatest possibl
{ leaf surface shall be exposed to tn
a light So IL some old tree, near roadsid
1 or dwelling, that has been tho landmarl
s Of century, shows alarming symptoms
b the owner should not despair before h
+ has treated IL according 20 the ger
c crnl plan here laid down.-Boston Tran
o script