46 OSIERS AND WILLOWS 



by the U.S.A. Government in March 1910, at which 

 time it certainly differed from the " Kecks " or 

 " Welch," known here in the outward appearance and 

 colour of its bark, but after being planted for three 

 years the apparent difference as in so many instances 

 of the kind entirely disappeared, and they were un- 

 distinguishable from the English variety. A similar 

 rod in Berkshire and Gloucestershire is called " Gold- 

 stone." 



" Dicky Meadows," or " Red Buds," supposed to 

 have been first cultivated by a man of that name in 

 Lancashire, is a variety which runs along the ground 

 like strawberry runners; it is a very beautiful rod, 

 wiry, and a heavy cropper, but very difficult to keep 

 clean, since the weeders must work unshod and with 

 their feet clothed in some soft fabric in order to avoid 

 bruising the shoots. Unsuitable for white, but makes 

 very choice buff, and is now largely used in the making 

 of tea and luncheon baskets; for all classes of fine 

 buff goods it has no equal. Shoots 18 in. to 4 ft. 6 in. 

 Will do equally well on drift or heavy soil, and is not 

 affected by dry or wet seasons a feature peculiar to 

 all varieties of purpurea. Plant 16 in. by 16 in. This 

 variety this year (1918) is making most extraordinary 

 prices, and is selling as green at 52 per ton. Many 

 instances are on record of lots being sold to the users 

 when buffed and graded into their five sizes at from 

 90 to 150 per ton. 



" Light Dicks " is another variety in all respects like 

 the above, except that the bark is of a very light colour, 

 and comes into flower somewhat earlier than the " Red 

 Bud." It frequently attains a somewhat larger growth 

 than the " Dicky Meadows." Shoots, 18 in. to 5 ft. 

 Heavy hazel soil. Plant 16 in. by 16 in. 



