9-i ON GROWTH AND CULTIVATION OF WILLOWS IN SCOTLAND. 



order to secure the best results many old and deeply rooted errors 

 must be cleared away, not the least of which is that willows grow 

 •best in swampy undrained land. 



The species of willows are very numerous, and much confusion 

 exists in their classification. There are, however, only about six 

 species, with their numerous varieties, that are of any commercial 

 value, or worth cultivating, with a view to profit. Three of those 

 species are essentially basket willows, and the other three are 

 adapted for poles and timber trees, and they differ so much in 

 character and constitution, that the treatment and soils adapted 

 for one are very unsuitable for the others. 



The three forms or species of basket willows most in use are 

 Salix mminalis, S. triandra, and S. jJurjnirea, and their numerous 

 varieties, about sixty of which are in cultivation ; but at least 

 two-thirds of this number might be discarded with advantage to 

 both grower and consumer. 



As one of the conditions of this Eeport involves a description 

 of the varieties recommended for cultivation, it must not be 

 forgotten that the classification of the willow is not only a sub- 

 ject of dispute, but that it is in considerable confusion ; and to 

 enter into the minute details of the controversy would be impos- 

 sible, within the limits of a short paper. It may therefore be 

 considered sufficient if each form is so described that there can be 

 no mistaking them. 



Beginning with Salix viminalis, or the osier proper, the most 

 important variety under consideration : This class may be easily 

 distinguished by its long narrow leaf, widest near the base, but 

 seldom exceeding three-quarters of an inch at its widest part ; 

 the leaves are slightly dentated at the edges, of loose texture, 

 they are smooth above, and covered with a white, silky pubescence 

 below, and are entirely destitute of stipules. The bark of the 

 twigs is smooth to the touch and sweet to the taste. Between 

 thirty and forty varieties of this species are now in my possession, 

 differing much in the colour of bark, size of growth, toughness of 

 wood, &c., but all may be known by the above description, and 

 vfhat is of equal importance, the description cannot be made to 

 apply to any other species of willow. The six best varieties of 

 the osier are known Ijy the trades names of White osier. Brown 

 osier, Merrins osier, Basford osier, Belgian osier, and Longskin 

 osier, and this number is sufficient for all practical purposes of 

 the basket-maker. The S. viminalis, or osier proper, is the best 

 adapted of all willows to the rich soils found on river margins, 

 where it is subject to occasional floods. It is a vigorous grower, 

 very hardy, and must be well fed by the deposits of floods or by 

 artificial irrigation, to maintain it in continued perfection ; and it 

 bids fair at no distant date to solve one of the questions of the 

 present day, viz., the disposal of surplus sewage. Its ca]3acity 



