No. 112.] 323 



The art of fabricating baskets from willows, in the commonest 

 form of the manufacture, for farm purposes, is a very simple 

 operation, and is easily acquired by any ordinary hand, and may 

 be practiced in evenings and stormy days in winter, with little or 

 no expense. In Europe it was formerly understood by every 

 <jountry laborer, and it generally formed a part of his occupation 

 in the winter evenings, A well made basket of this willow is 

 actually worth three or four made of ash splints. To give them 

 firmness and durability, a good rim, ribs and handle of oak, 

 hickory, or any other substantial wood are necessary. 



ANALYSIS OF THE VEGETABLE OYSTER, 



(^Trago^ogon po / if alius ,) 

 By J. H. Salisbury, M. D. 



This plant does not belong to the list of those used as food for 

 stock ; yet it is a plant of some interest in the way of the table, 

 on account of its richness and peculiar flavor, which resembles 

 when cooked somewhat that of an oyster. 



The specimens examined w^ere very large and tender. They 

 were furnished by Mr. V. P. Douw, of Greenbush. Average 

 widest diameter of the roots of 6 specimens, 1 J inches ; their 

 average length 11 inches; average length of tops 26 inches; 

 average weight of each root 4| ounces. Average weight of the 

 tops of each plant, IJ ounces. 



One hundred parts : Fresh root. Fresh top. 



Percentag'3 of water, 81.22 84.46 



" dry matter 18.78 15.54 



" ash, 1465 2.17 



. " ash in dry matter,.. 8.333 13.964 



6,826 pounds of the frvsli roots,contain 100 pounds of inorganic 

 matter; 4,008 pounds (»f the fresh topscuntaln lUO pounds of in- 

 organic matter ; lUO pounds of the inorganic matter of the 



K(H)t«. Topi. 



Contain Carbonic acid 24.60 21.90 



« Silicic acid, 0.60 8.65 



