396 FOREST CULTURE AND 
Salix nigra, Marshall. (S. Purshiana, Sprengel.)— 
The Black Willow of North America. It attains a 
height of 25 feet. This species was not included in 
the list of trees published by the Acclimatization So- 
ciety in its last year’s report. The black willow is 
one used for basket-work, although it is surpassed in 
excellence by some other species, and is more impor- 
tant as a timber-willow. Mr. W. Scaling, of Basford, 
includes it among the sorts which he recommends in 
his valuable publication, ‘¢«The Willow,’’ (London, 
1871). From his treatise, resting on unrivaled expe- 
rience, it will be observed that he anew urges the 
adoption of the bitter- willow (also called the rose- 
willow, or the whipcord - willow), 8. purpurea, L., 
for game-proof hedges, the species scarcely ever being 
touched by cattle, rabbits, and other herbivorous ani- 
mals. Not only for this reason, but also for its very 
rapid growth and remunerative yield of the very best 
of basket-material, he recommends it for field-hedges. 
Cuttings are planted only half a foot apart, and must 
be entirely pushed into the ground. The annual pro- 
duce from such a hedge is worth 4s. to 5s for the chain. 
For additional strength the shoots can be interwoven. 
In rich bottoms they will grow from 7 to 13 feet in a 
year. The supply of basket-material from this species 
has fallen very far short of the demand in England. 
The plant grows vigorously on light soil or warp-land, 
but not on clay. 8. rubra, Huds., is also admirably 
adapted for hedges. The real osier, S. viminalis, L., 
is distinguished by basket-makers as the soft-wooded 
willow, and is the best for rods, requiring two years’ 
age, and also the most eligible for hoops, but inferior 
to several other species for basket - manufacture.  S, 
