ON GROWTH AND CULTIVATION OF WILLOWS IN SCOTLAND. 97 



well in hand, for if deferred, the spring frosts may necessitate the 

 work being done under unfavourable conditions ; but in so far as 

 the ensuing crop is concerned, it is of very little importance. 

 When the land is in suitable condition the cuttings are easily 

 planted. The palm of the right hand should be protected by 

 leather, for the purpose of pushing them down to the required 

 depth ; and when pushed in, the soil must be firmly trodden 

 around them, taking care not to bruise or bark them in so doing. 

 Many cuttings die from this being imperfectly done. I regard 

 this as of so much importance, that I always appoint one man to 

 attend to it, and at the same time to see that the work is neatly 

 and uniformly done. The whole operation is simple ; each man 

 will plant from 2000 to 3000 cuttings in a day, when he has 

 got used to the work. 



After planting, the land must be kept clear of weeds. This is 

 especially important for the first two years, after which time less 

 attention will suffice. But it must not be forgotten, that if a 

 profit is to be made by growing wHlows, they must not be allowed 

 to struggle for their existence against weeds. 



The first or maiden crop of willows is seldom of much value ; 

 but however poor the crop may be, it must be harvested or cut 

 off; for if it was allowed to stand over until the second year, 

 the united produce of the two years would be nearly worthless. 

 If the first year's crop be carefully cut, without disturbing the 

 rooted cuttings, the second crop will be of considerable value, 

 from which time there will be a gradual increase of value up to 

 four or five years ; and should all cu-cumstances be favourable, a 

 plantation of S. viviinalis should last (without re-planting) fifteen 

 to twenty years, and a plantation of S. tricmdra twenty to 

 twenty-five years, and a plantation of >S'. 'purjnirea fifteen to 

 twenty years. All willows for basket work should be cut as 

 early in the winter as possible after the leaf has fallen. The 

 knife used for cutting is shaped like a sickle, but not so large in 

 the circle, and in using it, the cut is made from the ground 

 upward, the left arm encircling, and the hand grasping the tvdgs 

 whilst the cut is made. The grass and weeds must be shaken 

 out of the twigs, before they are tied into bundles. If the grass 

 and weeds are not shaken out, the wiUows are apt to mildew. 



The size of bundle that is most convenient for moving about is 

 36 inches in circumference at the band. The bundles must be 

 tightly tied, and the band should be twelve inches from the root 

 ends. The appearance of the willows is much improved by neat 

 and uniform tying, and extra care in this operation will not be 

 thrown away when they are offered for sale. As soon as tied, 

 they should be carried off the ground, and stood on end ; and in 

 this state they are ready for market. 



The entire outlay for willow planting, under ordinary circum- 



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