VIII. 2. THE WILLOW. 253 



city, and in the same countries at present, as in many countries 

 at an early period of civilization, the twigs and branches have 

 been of important use in constructing household utensils, pan- 

 niers, harness, apparatus for fishing, and even habitations. The 

 tough bark may be used for cords and matting, and in Tartary, 

 its fibres have been spun and woven into cloth. Dr. Walker, a 

 writer upon the willows, relates that " he has ridden in the 

 Hebrides with a bridle made of twisted willow twigs, and lain 

 all night at anchor with a cable made of the same material." 

 — Loudon, 1450. 



The bark of most species of willow, especially when stripped 

 from the younger branches, is remarkable for its bitterness and 

 astringency ; and has been long employed, with marked success, 

 in the treatment of intermittent fevers, and in other cases which 

 require the use of tonics. It is the best substitute known for 

 Peruvian bark. In like manner, the salicine already spoken of, 

 in the form of a sulphate, may take the place of sulphate of 

 quinine, and is said to be preferable, in the case of patients of a 

 delicate and irritable temperament.* 



The wood of the willow is soft, smooth, light, elastic, pliant 

 and tough. In Europe, in ancient and modern times, it has 

 been applied to many uses for which, in this country, other 

 woods are commonly preferred. The larger trees take the place 

 of pine, and are sawn into boards and planks for the frame- 

 work and flooring of buildings ; and, when kept dry, are found 

 to last without decay, for more than a century. In Scotland, 

 small vessels are made of the wood. It is also in request for 

 the use of the turner, and for lasts and toys, as a substitute, when 

 dyed, for ebony, also for ladders, for implements of husbandry, 

 for the lining of carts, and especially for use in works exposed 

 constantly to water. The branches and twigs are of the first 

 value for all kinds of wicker work and basket making, for hoops, 

 and for all the purposes for which toughness, pliancy and elas- 

 ticity are required. The wood is also extensively used, in many 

 parts of Europe, for fuel, making a pleasant, clear fire, with 



* Elemens d'Histoire Naturelle Medicale, Par M. Achille Richard. 3me ed., 

 1838. Tom. III., 185. 



