THE CULTIVATION OF BASKET WILLOWS 23 



they are required, in order to ensure not only that the 

 requisite sorts are delivered, but that the sets are cut 

 from strong, healthy stock. Some surplus plants should 

 also be planted for replacing any sickly or dead heads 

 that may be found in the ground in the following year. 

 Care should be taken in lifting surplus cuttings not to 

 fracture the roots. Failing two-year-old rods, strong, 

 healthy, full-length one-year-old rods may be used. 

 If two-year-old rods are used, they should be cut 

 off at the top of the first year's growth. 



2. After planting, it is of the greatest importance 

 for the first two years that a good loose tilth should 

 be maintained on the top, especially where the soil is 

 strong and liable to crack in a dry period. The rows 

 must be kept clean by hoeing, in order to prevent 

 weeds from choking or retarding the growth of the 

 willows. 



3. Willows will not thrive on water-logged land, in 

 peat bog, or in dry soil of a sandy character. The 

 best soil for a willow ground is a strong loam, in a 

 position where it can be flooded at will, though the 

 land must be well drained to provide against an 

 abnormally rainy season. 



4. In England willows may safely be planted at any 

 time from the end of October to the middle of April, 

 March being, perhaps, the best time if autumn planting 

 is not resorted to. October planting is in all respects 

 equal to spring planting, and allows other work to be 

 done, such as cutting, sorting, and preparing for the 

 cleaning and peeling season. 



5. If possible, a good cultivator should be employed 

 to break up the ground ; this is more economical than 

 ordinary digging, and almost as good in its results. 

 This work should be carried out in ample time, to make 



