SUPPORTING HEAVY BRANCHES 31 



rod, which, according to the strain, may be from 

 one-half to three-quarters of an inch in dia- 

 meter. This rod, like the bands, is divided 

 into two parts, which are connected by a 

 swivel and screw for convenience in loosening 

 or tightening. 



Great care is necessary in choosing the 

 point at which a band should be placed, and 

 equally so as to which branches or branch and 

 stem should be joined together, so that the 

 greatest resistance may be obtained, and in 

 order that the one may act as a support to the 

 other. The shape of the tree and disposition 

 of the stem and branches can alone be a guide 

 in this matter. When compared with a chain, 

 the advantages of this method of supporting 

 heavy branches are principally ease of fixing, 

 greater rigidity, less friction, adaptability for 

 loosening or tightening as may be required, 

 and better results. 



It is usually trees with heavy ramifying 

 branches that require attention in the matter 

 of bracing, and, equally so, such as are short- 

 stemmed and spreading of head. 



With open-headed trees such as the oak, 



