2 OSIERS AND WILLOWS 



tops." Rods of 5. pur pur ea and most of the varieties 

 of 5. triandra and 5. amygdalina are more pointed, 

 hence the name of " fine tops." The rods of the 5. 

 purpnrea and alba have both a fine top, but not so 

 fine as the triandra. In some districts the term 

 " osier " is applied to all rods of the viminalis class, 

 the rest being called " willows," but both these terms 

 are used quite loosely and irrespective of species. 



In making a selection of varieties for planting, a 

 grower naturally wishes to choose those sorts that will 

 ultimately yield him the best return financially. Owing 

 to continental competition the market gardeners' 

 basket-making industry has in late years undergone 

 changes, the tendency being for English workers to 

 produce high-class goods and to leave the making of a 

 large quantity of the cheaper baskets to other countries. 

 It is, therefore, difficult to find a market for rods which 

 are badly grown or of poor quality, but rods of better 

 quality when peeled and prepared as " white " or 

 " buff," are in more demand than hitherto. 



Growers should certainly plant more than one sort 

 to meet variations in season, which may suit one kind 

 better than another; but it seems almost essential 

 that the larger proportion planted should consist of 

 varieties suitable for " white " or " buff" rods. Soft 

 rods being vigorous growers are suitable for producing 

 large sticks, which are much required by all makei s of 

 basket furniture and transit hampers. 



A basket-maker having willow grounds naturally 

 grows those sorts which are the most suitable for his 

 business, and in cases where a constant local demand 

 for a certain class of rod exists, it is generally good 

 policy on the part of the grower to cater for it, provided 

 the soil of his district is suitable. 



