1740. The forest chisel (fig. 368.) is a sharp edge of steel, with or without a sharp steel hook or hooks, generally called ears: the blade or wedge is attached to a handle, from six to ten feet long or upwards or, what is better, to a handle capable of being lengthened by additional joints. This chisel is used for cutting off small branches of forest trees close by the bole or trunk: with one hand it is placed and adjusted under the branch, and with the other a smart blow is given by a wooden mallet; which, either at once or by repetition, effects separation, and leaves a smooth section. A variety of this instrument, used for pruning orchards, is furnished with a guard or plate behind the blade, to prevent its entering too far into the trunk or main branch (fig. 369.).
