HOLLOW TRUNKS n 



cular case may demand. Cavities and hollows 

 in tree stems are particularly favourable for 

 insect and fungus attacks, not only on account 

 of the shade and dampness, but because of the 

 protection that is afforded from drying winds 

 and cold, all of which are ideal conditions for 

 the growth and development of these timber- 

 destroying agents. 



It is well to bear in mind that hollows in 

 trees are filled with several distinct objects 

 in view. These are: (i) to arrest decay by 

 removing the cause, such as insect and fungoid 

 attack and the ingress of damp ; (2) by an 

 application of tar, creosote, or paint to prevent 

 the entrance of these wood-destroyers and to 

 aid in healing the wound ; (3) to strengthen 

 the stem or branch so that it may be better 

 able to withstand strong winds ; and (4) for 

 the sake of appearance. 



Small holes in trunk or branch, such as 

 have been brought about by a falling branch 

 or other accident, or the remains of a snag or 

 wrong system of pruning, may all, at little 

 cost, be successfully dealt with. The remov- 

 ing of rotten wood, painting the surface with 



