

'WISCOXSES' AGRICULTOIE. 



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43. Salix lucida, of Muhlenberg. — fining WtUov:. 



This beautifal and verv common Willow may be regarded, in 

 manv instances, as a small tree. It mav be distinsniislied by 

 the leaves, which are smooth and shining on both sides, giving 

 name to the species; they are ovate-oblong, or 

 lanceolate and narrow, with a long tapering 

 point ; serrate on the margin. The catkins are 

 large, and of a bright yellow, appearing early in 

 the spring. It grows on the borders of rivers, 

 lakes and marshes : indeed, on all moist grounds. 

 The branches are brittle, and therefore not suited 

 for the purpose of the basket-maker. 



4:4. Salix jiuviatilis, of XuttaU. — River WUloic. 



This Willow was first described and distin- 

 guished from the long-leaved Willow, {S. longi- 

 folia,, MuhL,) in the first volume of his North 

 American Sylva. It is often only a low shrub 

 aloncr the m argin and on the islands of the Mis- 

 sissippi river. It is one of the most abundant 

 trees along the principal rivers of the west. It 

 is the first to take possession of the loose sand 

 bars when left dry by the retiring waters, and 

 hence it is often called " Sand-bar Willow." It 

 is to the light feathery foliage of this abundant 

 tree that the upper Mississippi owes much of its 

 beauty. The roots do not seem to penetrate the 

 soil in such numbers as to prevent the wear of 

 the rapid current of the river. The wood is used 

 as fael on board the steamboats now so numer- 

 ous on the great Father of Waters, but does not 

 seem to possess much value. 



The figure represents a lea^ the capsule when 

 ziature, and also after it is open, showing the 

 cottony seeds. 



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BTVEE wnXOW, 



