1804. On Planting Oziers a?i(l JVi/Iowf, r8j 



convenient. The proper fcalbn for m-.iking tlicm (tlioiigh they 

 feklom fail of growing at any time) is from the fall of the Icat* 

 till very late in the fpring, and the fets are very che.ip. Such 

 plantations are cut annually for ballcets, lkvp«, ieuukb, cradles, 

 and all kinds of w ieker work ; but when the oziers are kr.pt for 

 fets, or to make hedging wood, or for flows or liurdles, they aie 

 cut only once in four years. 



Our mode of planting red or white willows will likely be ac- 

 ceptable ; therefore, a few words fhall be given on that fubjtcl:. 



Now, when wood is growing fcarce and dear in Britain, and 

 likely to become more and more fo, gentlemen of landed property 

 fhould caufe many red and white willows to be planted on their 

 eftates j and it anfwers.well for tenants that have long leafes to 

 make fuch plantations, as they turn out a profitable concern. In- 

 deed, in all leafes, my opinion is, that the tenants fliouid be ta- 

 ken bound to raife a given number of young willow-trees. Evea 

 tenants at rack-rent fliould not be excepted, becaufe the meafure 

 would produce important advantages to the country. 



Either tlie red or white willows will grow well, as may be feeu 

 in all the fen pariflies. They will profper on all kinds of fen, 

 moor or mofs, or wet or low lands ; on any kind of clay, loam, 

 or mixed foils ; but fhould never be planted on any high, dry, or 

 burning lands. 



Thefe willows are always planted of cuttings or boughs, com- 

 monly of four years groM'th ; the fets have trequently the tops 

 cut off, and are left about 8 feet long 5 but, before planting, 

 they fhould have the thick end put in water three or four 

 weeks, which makes them grow the better. When the planting 

 feafon arrives, holes are dug about two feet deep, and at nine 

 or ten feet dillance ; the fets are then put in, and the holes filled 

 up with earth. After the fets are planted, if the weather be very 

 dry, they fhould be watered fometimes during the firft year of 

 their growth. Such plantations fhould be either fenced in, or 

 If ock kept from them for a few years, till they are covered with 

 a coarfe thick bark that ftock will not eat. Thofe which were 

 topped before planting fliould be cut every four years, when they 

 will produce many fets to plant frefh fields, or valuable wood for 

 other purpofes. 



But it is a mofl excellent plan not to cut the tops off the fets 

 when they are planted, but to let them grow for timber, and only 

 cut the fide boughs off every four years for fets, &c. Thefe wil- 

 lows will grow, in moft fituations, more rapidly, I believe, thaii 

 any other wood, and to a prodigious large fize, even as large as 

 oaks or elms. The wood is very tough and durable, when kept 

 dry or painted, and is valuable for buildings and otlier purpofes. 



M4 h 



