SUPPORTING HEAVY BRANCHES 33 



need not be much larger than the actual size 

 of the branches to which they are to be affixed ; 

 but, where the tree is young and vigorous, 

 room for expansion should be provided. Fixing 

 the bands and connecting rods is readily ac- 

 complished, either by the use of ladders or 

 climbing the trunk and slinging the portions 

 into position by means of ropes ; but the exi- 

 gencies of each case will point out the best 

 means of carrying out the work, as also the 

 height at which the supports can most effect- 

 ively be placed. When damaged or diseased 

 branches are being dealt with, great care is 

 necessary to ensure that the bands are placed 

 in such positions that the greatest leverage 

 against wind is afforded, and so as to mini- 

 mise the risk of the branch being broken 

 across at the weakened point during stormy 

 weather. 



No hard and fast rules can be laid down as 

 to the size of bands and connecting rods that 

 should be used, this greatly depending on the 

 weight of the branch to be supported and the 

 leverage to be obtained. The bands and con- 

 necting rods used on the " Wilberforce " and 



