THE LIGNEOUS PLANTS OF HAMPSHIRE. 3G1 



different species of willow and osier, serve to rank them high in our 

 list of economical plants. The larger kinds, which are the most 

 rapid growers, yield timber and exceed 60 feet in height ; whilst the 

 least of them (>S'. herbacea), which grows on the summits of our 

 Highland mountains, can scarcely be said to rise above the surface 

 of the soil in which it vegetates. Many are in great request for 

 baskets, hoops, and crates. Their bark is used by the tanner, and 

 that of one species (^S. fragilis, var. Russelliana) as a substitute for 

 Peruvian bark. A correct knowledge of them is of primary 

 importance ; yet there is not in the whole range of the vegetable 

 creation a genus liable to greater variation in properties, foliage, 

 and general appearance, at different periods of growth, in different 

 soils and situations, and under different circumstances ; so that 

 the accui-ate determination of its species, or even what constitutes 

 a species, has baffled the researches of the ablest botanists." Of 

 the economic value of many sorts of willows and osiers there is 

 little doubt, but as to bark for tanning there is no demand where 

 the oak is so plentiful, and less so as a substitute for the Peruvian 

 bai-k7 The principal demand is for basket-making, or rather 

 wicker work, such as chairs, tables, and the many fancy articles 

 now made with osiers, which is a considerable industry in several 

 towns in the county ; but the supply is not equal to the demand, 

 considerable quantities coming from Somerset and other counties. 

 Why this should be it is difficult to say, as Hampshire some years 

 ago had many osier beds, as the names still testify. Of late 

 several unsuccessful attempts have been made to re-introduce the 

 cultivation of willows. An instance came under my observation. 

 A piece of apparently suitable ground of about three acres in 

 extent was prepared with great care and planted. It produced 

 fine crops the first and second yeai's ; the third year the produce 

 began to fail, as also the fourth year ; the fifth year it was not 

 considered worth the cutting, as a great many of the plants had 

 died clean out. I have inquired into the causes of this, and the 

 owner, who is a practical basket-maker, is entirely at a loss for 

 the cause, sometimes blaming one thing, and sometimes another. 

 When the osiers are cut they are tied up in bundles (bolts), which 

 should be 18 inches round at 14 inches from the butt. When 

 not used for black work (that is, with the rind on), they are 

 placed butt downwards in water pits in spring, and when they 

 begin to sprout, the bark is then easily peeled off. 



