THE POPLAR AND THE WILLOW. 1 19 



what papyrus-work was with the ancient Egyptians. 

 It is this self-same plant which, with the Salix 

 Caprcea, and one or two other species, has now for 

 ages borne the name of " palm/' or more properly 

 " palm- willow/' being usually in full bloom on 

 Palm- Sunday, and thus available for use where the 

 ancient emblematic practice of carrying or " strow- 

 ing " palm-branches cannot be carried out with the 

 leaves of the genuine tree. The veritable palm is 

 used upon the shores of the Mediterranean ; as we 

 recede northwards, other plants must needs be 

 substituted, and at last, in England, the palm-willow 

 proves efficient. 



" In Rome, upon Palm- Sunday, 



They bear true palms ; 

 The cardinals bow reverently, 



And sing old psalms. 

 Elsewhere those psalms are sung 



'Mid the olive branches ; 

 The holly-bough supplies their place 



Among the avalanches." 



So it continues : every different climate and country 

 supplying for the occasion some cheerful stalk of 

 green or yellow ; England in its turn contributing 

 the willow. Rosalind was acquainted with this tree 

 when she entered the house exclaiming " See 

 what I have found upon a palm ! " 



Other important uses subserved by the genus 

 Salix are its contribution of an excellent wood, in 



