SPECIAL METHODS OF PLANTING 89 



I selected the copper wire because in addition to its being 

 strong, it tarnishes in a few days by exposure to the 

 air, and becomes practically invisible at a few yards 

 distance. Before fastening it round the stem, I care- 

 fully bandaged the latter with a piece of pliable leather. 



I then proceeded to carefully bend down one of the 

 lower branches, till it occupied what I considered a 

 more suitable position, and here I fastened it, again with 

 thin copper wire, to one of the previous supports, or 

 to the stem itself, using a smaller bandage of leather 

 to prevent the wire cutting into the branch. 



I worked upwards from the lowest branch, dealing 

 with each in a similar way, taking great care to induce 

 the branch to bend at a natural angle, such as we see 

 on large trees, due to the weight of the branches 

 themselves if the angle taken did not appear correct 

 it could generally be righted by allowing the wire to 

 grip the branch at a different place. 



In a few cases I found it necessary to cut out a 

 portion of the growth, but only to a small extent, 

 and then only after making quite sure that it could not 

 'advantageously be used in one position or another. 



At some points it was advisable to attach a second 

 wire, and carry it away at right angles, so as to draw 

 the branch sideways as well as downwards, and this I 

 also fixed to a concealed peg. In one case, doubtless 

 due to insufficient care, I accidentally cracked one of the 



