BRANCH, in botany, an arm of a tree, or a part which, ſprouting out from the trunk, helps to form the head or crown thereof. Branches do not ſpring out of the mere ſurface of the trunk, but are profoundly rooted therein, ſo as not only to penetrate the cortical, but alſo the woody ſubſtance, and even the pith. The conſtituent parts therefore of a branch are the ſame as of the trunk, viz. ſkin, bark, wood, and pith *.
BRANCHES of a Bridle, in the menage, are two pieces of iron bended, which, in the interval, between the one and the other, bear the bit-mouth, the croſs-chains, and the curb; ſo that on one end they anſwer to the head-ſtall, and on the other to the reins, in order to keep the horſe's head in ſubjection. With regard to their form and ſtructure, branches are either ſtrait, in form of a piſtol, for young horſes to form their mouth; or after the conſtable of France's fashion, proper for a horſe that carries his head well. Some are in form of a gigot or leg, which will prevent horſes from carrying too low: Some are in form of a bent knee, contrived for horſes that arm themſelves againſt the operation of the bit; and others after the French fashion, which is hardly above of an inch at the ſevile hole, and kneed inch at the jarret or ham.
It is to be obſerved, 1. That the farther the branch is from the horſe's neck, the more effect it will have. 2. That ſhort branches, ceteris paribus, are ruder, and their effects more ſudden, than thoſe of longer. 3. That the branch is to be proportioned to the length of a horſe's neck; and one may ſooner err in chuſing one too ſhort than too long.
BRANCHES of Ogives, in architecture, are the arches of Gothic vaults. Theſe arches, traverſing from one angle to another diagonal-wiſe, form a croſs between the other arches, which make the ſides of the ſquare, of which the arches are diagonals.
BRANCH of a Trench. See BOYAU.
BRANCH of a Mine. See GALLERY.