128 



FIELD AND WOODLAND PLANTS 



hairy tube, with two irregularly-toothed hps ; and the corolla is 

 much longer than the calyx, with two Hps, the upper of which has 

 four minute teeth. After flowering the calyx becomes much swollen ; 

 and the superior ovary ripens into a capsule with a few rather large 

 seeds. This plant flowers from May to September. 



Most wet places are characterised by the presence of one or 



more species of Wil- 

 lows — those water- 

 loving trees and shrubs 

 which constitute the 

 genus Salix of the order 

 Salicacece. Some of 

 them almost invariably 

 establish themselves 

 along the banks of 

 rivers and streams, and 

 may often be seen in 

 long tortuous lines 

 which mark the posi- 

 tions and courses of 

 streams that no longer 

 exist; while others 

 thrive best in the stand- 

 ing water and sodden 

 soils of marshes and 

 bogs. One species in 

 particular, the Osier, 

 is largely cultivated 

 for its long, slender 

 twigs, so useful in the 

 manufacture of baskets 

 and other wicker -.work ; but two or three others are valued for 

 the same purpose, and are either specially cultivated, or pollarded 

 with the object of securing suitable twigs for this work. 



Nearly all the species have very narrow leaves, with prominent 

 stipules at the base; and their flowers grow in erect or horizontal 

 catkins with undivided scales. The flowers are always unisexual, 

 the male and female l)lossoms being produced on separate trees. 

 The former have from two to five stamens ; and the latter a one- 

 celled ovary that ripens to a capsule containing many seeds, each 

 with a tuft of silky hairs. A few of these trees are common in 



THE Yellow Flag. 



