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 expansion should be provided. Fixing the bands and connecting-rods is readily accomplished either by the use of ladders or by climbing the trunk and slinging the portions into position by means of ropes. The exigencies of each case will point out the best means of carrying out the work, as also the height at which the supports can most effectively be placed. When damaged or diseased branches are being dealt with, great care is necessary to ensure that the bands are placed in such positions that the greatest leverage against wind is afforded, and so as to minimize the risk of the branch being broken across at the weakened point during stormy weather. Frequently, where the main trunk divides into two or more portions near ground level, it will be found that a split or crack has been caused by the swaying of the divided stems. In such cases the split between the stems should be carefully cleaned out, treated with an antiseptic and filled with asphalt. The limbs should then be braced together by means of a band and connecting-rod, and, as the asphalt becomes set, the brace may be tightened up as may be found necessary. Rarely is it found necessary to place a band around the stem of a tree to prevent splitting. Where, however, appearances point to the likelihood of this taking place, as in the case of forked trees, especially when the stem divides abruptly into two or three heavy limbs, it is a wise precaution to encircle the bole with a wide band of iron. This band should be placed at such a height that the greatest possible resistance to splitting of the stem is afforded. Such bands are usually proportionate to the strain of the stem to which they are to act as support. A band of leather or rubber between the iron and bark of the tree to allow for expansion of the stem is necessary. Supporting tree branches by chains is not to be recommended, for the simple reason that, however carefully they may be adjusted, friction and chafing of the bark and wood is sooner or later bound to ensue. Connecting the flat iron bands, already referred to, by means of chains or strand wire, is, however, not so open to objection nor attended with such ill effects as is the case when the chain or wire is placed in direct contact with the branch, for even with the most careful adjusting and packing, the uneven surface of a chain, with its saw-like action during stormy weather, soon renders the belting useless for the purpose intended, and both bark and wood suffer in consequence. Occasionally we see holes bored through the live branch or trunk in order to fix the binding rod or chain—a most reprehensible practice that, fortunately, has few supporters amongst those who have even had a cursory knowledge of trees and their growth.