166 



Practical Forestry 



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 

 the guides in this matter. In comparison with the use of 

 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. 



Accurate measurements as to the size and shape of the 

 limb to be operated upon must be taken and the girdling 

 hoops made accordingly. The best way to take these is to 

 ascend the tree, and, after deciding as to the points where 

 bracing is to take place, encircle each branch with a strip 

 of hoop iron, which will not only give the size but shape of 

 the particular limb, a most important point where neatness 

 is studied and after-chafing of the bark and wood is to be 

 avoided. 



BAND AND CONNECTING-ROD 



In the case of old trees, or such as are not likely to greatly 

 increase in size, the bands 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 



