\_The Editor requests the assistance of Readers in answering Queries, so 

 that the usefulness of this Department may he maintained.'] 



Bitter "Willow. — It is not correct to say that the bitter willow is 

 NEVER eaten by stock, but they do not relish it when other food is to be 

 had. It can be made strong enough to resist the pressure of heavy cattle, 

 by planting strong stakes of five or six feet in length in an oblique position, 

 each crossing three or four others, formiug a diamond or lattice fence. 

 Stakes of bitter willow, of this size, which could be bought four years ago 

 at 60s. per 1,000, cannot now be had for twice that amount. For many 

 years past willows have steadily advanced in price, but more especially the 

 bitter willow since its importance as a medicinal plaut has been fully 

 established. At present, therefore, to make a strong bitter willow hedge 

 would be an expensive operation, and for general purposes impracticable. — 

 "W". Scaling. 



In reply to Subscriber, page 509. — The bitter willow is quite eligible 

 as a hedge plaut, also useful as a basket willow, but better when peeled for 

 that purpose. Sheep and cattle do not eat it readily, hares and rabbits will 

 not touch it unless hard pressed by hunger, but it would not be a satis- 

 factory fence against heavy stock. — D. 



Composition for Preserving Trees from Hares and Rabbits. — 

 In reply to the inquiry of A. B. in your October issue (p. 440), we may 

 mention that we have for several years used "Lightfoot's Patent Lubri- 

 cating Oil," No. 3, which we have found successful, and it does not injure 

 the trees in the least. It has the strong parafline smell, but is a thick 

 green-coloured oil. We also use the same oil for destroying the " American 

 blight" on fruit trees. — Oheal and Sons, Lowfield Nurseries, Crawley, 

 Sussex. 



Oak Galls. — I herewith send a small box containing an oak gall and a 

 fly which I cut out of it. Can you or any of the readers of the Journal 

 say what is the name of these flies ? \_Cynvjps querci — Ucl] also whether 

 such flies are injurious to the oak or other trees, or if they are the cause 

 of these galls growing on the trees, and how the egg or larva is deposited 

 in the centre of each ? Their sole use, if I may use the expression, seems 



