Notes and Queries. 589 



to be to rear these flies. The trees on which I find them growing are not 

 in a healthy state. I cut a chister of galls off a tree in their green state 

 in the month of June last, and after cutting one through I could see, 

 with the aid of a microscope, a clear speck (the ^gg ?) ; I kept some of 

 them to see what they would turn to, and lately cut the fly sent out 

 of one of them. — J. Ceaio. 



Bark. — In former years the bark of sweet chestnut could be sold to 

 the tanners in this neighbourhood along with that of the oak, but now 

 they will not have it. The bark of birch and alder sells readily in 

 Scotland, but we have no market for it here. Can any of your readers 

 inform us where a ready and remunerative market can be found for such 

 produce ? — D. Tait, Owdon Park, Boncaster. 



Willows and Spontaneous Combustion. — Can any of the readers of 

 the Journal of Forestry explain the statement made in " English Forests 

 and Forest Trees " that the willow is liable to spontaneous combustion ? 

 It is stated at page 56 of that work, that such a phenomenon occurred in 

 IS-iG on the banks of the Cam, amongst some fine willows in the full 

 vigour of robust health, which suddenly burst into ignition and poured 

 forth clouds of smoke, till they were burnt like tinder to their very core •' 

 Has anyone seen this phenomenon of late years ? — Calt. 



Barking Irons. — I will feel obliged if yon, or some of your experienced 

 readers, will inform me where the best description of harking irons or tools 

 can l)e purchased ? I have some difficulty in getting them made, and I 

 would be glad to know if they can be bought of good make and quality. — 

 D. M., Ross-shire. 



Osiers. — H. S. who made an enquiry on this subject in the October 

 number, will find an answer on page 556. — [_Ed. .] 



