THE TREE DOCTOR 



49 



disease. Chains are often put around the branches, resulting in 

 "girdling." Sometimes iron clamps are used, with the same re- 

 sult. Whatever method is used it is safe to say the purpose of 

 the person was all right. Undoubtedly he did the best he knew 

 how. If I can give some clearer ideas of the best methods it 

 ought to accomplish much good. 



The bolt should be used in preference to the clamps. "But \ 

 where shall I place the bolt?" Look at Photo 38. Suppose you 

 put the bolt where the line indicates. What is the result? 

 Sometime, it may be soon or it may not be for years, a strong 

 wind will place its shoulder on one or the other of the high 

 branches, and will make a fulcrum of the head of the bolt; then 

 C-R-A-C-K ! and away goes one-half of the tree ! However, a 

 bolt can be put at the point to draw it firmly together, after the 

 decayed matter has been removed and the proper filling put in 

 place. 



The same should be done in the case of Photo 39. But after 



Photo 39 

 A Bolt is Needed. 



