THE CULTIVATION OF BASKET WILLOWS n 



dryness or humidity of the atmosphere. This method, 

 however, will probably be found as useful as any other 

 in the case of a small area. 



A still less expensive way is to use any kind of cord 

 as a guide for the straight lines and to cut a stick 

 equal in length to the distances between the plants, 

 and using that as a guide for planting. 



To overcome the difficulty created by a shortening 

 or lengthening of the cord, a planting chain may be 

 used, somewhat similar to those employed by land 

 surveyors, with i-in. rings inserted at equal distances 

 as guides for the planter. Every third link should be 

 fitted with a swivel, to prevent the twisting or kinking 

 of the chain (see illustration, Fig. i). 



It is customary for willow growers, alike in Great 

 Britain, France, Belgium, Germany, and Holland, to 

 plant closer in the rows than between the rows. Plant- 

 ing in squares, i. e. at equal distances between heads 

 and rows, but varying according to the natural growth 

 of each particular variety, has, however, decided 

 advantages. " Square planting " enables the cleaning 

 for the first few years to be done by the horse-hoe in 

 both directions. The proper ripening and hardening 

 of the wood also is dependent on the action of the sun, 

 and this system gives sunlight free access to the head 

 in the growing period. It also stimulates even growth, 

 since the roots have an equal quantity of soil all round 

 from which to draw"food. 



Either one- or two-year-old sets may be used for 

 propagation purposes, but unquestionably two-year- 

 olds are the best. Some growers prefer the one-year- 

 old, believing that they throw off more shoots the first 

 season than two-year-old sets. This belief may have 

 some foundation, especially if the two-year-old sets 



