PLANTING AND CARE OF TKEES 145 



nut on the other. These are inserted by boring a hole clear 

 through the branch and by counter sinking the washer and nut as 

 shown in figure 69. Two or more of the bolts may be inserted and 

 connected by wires or chains. The nuts soon become imbedded in 

 the wood and the result is a very efficient and inconspicuous method 

 of bracing. 



AVhere the branches are near together, as is usually the case with 

 Elms and Silver Maples^ the bolt may be made long enough to 

 extend through both branches and threaded at both ends. The 

 nuts and washers in this case, also, may be countersunk. The 

 nearer the crotch the stronger should the bolt be to stand the great 

 strain during wind stonns. A one-inch bolt at a distance of three 

 or four feet from the crotch is sufficient except for the larger trees. 

 AVhen the bolting is done at a distance of four or more feet from 

 the crotch there is more or less swaying motion that tends to weaken 

 the bolt. For this reason, bolts connected by chains are preferable 

 to solid boItS; except at points very near the crotch. . 



