SUPPORTING HEAVY BRANCHES 47 



this has not in all cases been carefully carried 

 out, with the result that the bands, owing to 

 their being too small, gradually became em- 

 bedded in the wood and, by injuring the 

 cambium and preventing the flow of sap, 

 defeated the object for which they were 

 intended. 



With ornamental trees it is sometimes found 

 necessary to sling or suspend branches that 

 overhang paths or come in too close contact 

 with the lawn or turf, and particularly when 

 the removal or shortening of such branches is 

 undesirable. Unless the branches are heavy 

 and far-spreading, when the iron band and 

 connecting rod already referred to may be 

 found necessary, a sling or collar of thin sheet 

 iron or other metal lined with rubber or leather 

 may be placed around the branch and con- 

 nected by stout fencing wire to the main stem 

 higher up the tree. Two lengths of strand 

 wire twisted together, which admit of being 

 tightened at pleasure, are most suitable for the 

 purpose. The size and strength of band will 

 vary with the thickness and weight of branch 

 to be supported, but should in all cases be 



