The tree-butcher ruined many valuable shade-trees last fall
(1909) and it is hoped that he will find steady employment at
some other kind of work before spring arrives. Shade-trees
are usually pruned by some one temporarily out of employment.
His only qualification is the possession of an ax and saw. He
needs work, so he finds some property owner who has some nice
shade-trees and importunes him to have them cut back. The owner
consents. The axman is to receive so much for the job and the
wood the limbs make. The workingman at once sees that it is to
his advantage to cut the limbs off close to the trunk of the
tree, because he can complete the job quicker with no dangerous
climbing, and by so doing he gets more wood. Consequently, the
tree is ruined. Shade-trees should be trimmed up when young, so
the top will be at least twelve feet above the walk. After this
all that is necessary is to cut out the dead and superfluous
branches.--CHARLES C. DEAM, Secretary Board of Forestry.
(1502)