Description
"The nature of the cut itself in pruning is of more consequence, especially in the case of fruit trees, than at first signt may appear. The branches should be separated by a clean cut at an angle of abouot 45 degrees, just at the back of a bud, the cut entering on a level with the base of the bud and passing out on a level with its top, for when cut in this way the wound becomes rapidly covered with new wood, as soon as growth recommences, whereas if the cut is too close the bud is starved, or if less close an ugly and awkward snag is left." — Encyclopedia Britannica, 1893