observed the great benefits of _pruning_ in the vegetable kingdom. He
who sits under the shade of his own vine and fig-tree (or even those
which are leased or rented) will find the shade and the fruit of his
vine and his tree greatly increased by judicious and seasonable pruning.
The theories of Science and the practice of horticulturists have made
this fact so potent that it is needless to enlarge upon it now. But
Science stops here. What she has given the world, in respect to this
important subject, is of far less value than that of which she has
deprived it, by her failure to carry her investigations into the animal
kingdom. With the exception of the docking of horses' tails and the
clipping of the ears of dogs, she has done little or nothing in this
respect, and it is much to be feared that the great benefits of pruning,
as applied to the human race, are denied to the present generation; for
we all know how difficult it is, in the face of the dogged opposition of
the masses, to inaugurate a truly valuable reform. But it is my belief,
and I have carefully studied the subject in all its bearings, that the
crowning gift of Science to Man will be the system of PRUNING FOR
CONSUMPTION.

When we consider how the strength of a weak and spindling tree is
augmented by the excision of some of its useless branches, we can well
understand that weak and spindling man may be strengthened and
invigorated by the amputation of one or more of his limbs. The sap, or
blood, which was before applied to the support and nourishment of this
excised limb, will now assist in the nourishment of the whole body, and
the man, like the tree, will become vigorous, stout, and healthy. In
proof of this, it is only necessary to consider the condition of those
soldiers, sailors, or civilians who have suffered the amputation of a
leg or arm. How plump and rosy they all appear! Is it not certain, then,
that instead of wasting their time and substance in Cod-liver oil and