417 



movement 



father, and his first venture was with a farm of 11 Cheshire acres 

 (= about 23i English acres). As he had learnt from old growers 

 that willow beds were only remunerative up to 14 years of age, 

 he obtained a lease for that period. His methods of culture, 

 however, proved so effective, that at the time his lease ran out 



more 



was glad to renew his lease at an increased annual rental of 

 £30. For many years the business proved highly satisfactory, 

 and more land was continually required until he and his sons had 

 about 500 acres under cultivation. Other farmers also planted 

 largely when the trade was at its best, but of late years, owing 

 principally to depression in trade and foreign competition, a 

 considerable amount of land has been reclaimed for ordinary farm 

 crops. According to Mr. Cowley, however, taking good and bad 

 years together, willows pay at least as well as other farm crops. 



When forming a willow bed, the ground is well worked and 

 cleaned, and good, strong cuttings are inserted one foot apart in 

 rows two feet apart. The majority form sturdy plants the first 

 year, and are assisted by being kept perfectly free from weeds and 

 by frequent working of the surface soil. In fact, to be successful 



contends 



must 



A full 



crop of rods may be expected from strong-growing varieties the 

 third year after planting, but weak-growing kinds require a year 

 or two longer. Harvesting operations are got through as quickly 

 as possible after the fall of the leaves. Usually, the stools are 

 cut over annually, but when specially strong rods are required, 

 they are allowed to remain for two years. When cutting the rods, 

 great care is taken to remove them close to the stool. If this is 

 not done, numerous buds are left, which result in large numbers 

 of weak shoots the following year instead of a smaller number of 

 more vigorous ones. As soon as possible after the removal of the 

 crop, the ground is well cleaned and worked, and a dressing of 

 manure is given. The manure which finds most favour with 

 Mr. Cowley is a Manchester production prepared principally from 

 night soil. This is sold in bags, and is easily transported. The 

 usual dressing is at the rate of one ton to the acre, and this is 

 repeated in spring, an additional dressing being given a month or 

 two later if the ground is poor. When carefully cultivated, a 

 willow plantation will give good results for a very long period. 

 I was shown fields in full vigour which had been down between 

 20 and 30 years, and still older ones exist. In the event ot a bea 

 being neglected and left un worked and unmanured, it is rumea 

 in from three to five years. The destruction of a willow bed is a 

 simpler operation than would be expected. A strongly norsea 

 Plough is run along a row close to the stools ; it is then run a on, 

 the opposite side, turning the stools over ; men follow, and drag 

 the plants out ready for the next furrow. In this way a held is 

 ploughed in very little more time than a clear field would oe. 



When removed from the ground the rods are made into « stocks 

 and are left for use. Many of the finer-growing sorts are I**** 

 for fancy work, and the peeling is done as he rods are ^estod. 

 Previous to peeling they are soaked in boiling water. From the 



