170 COLONSAY 



Salix, L. 



Trees and shrubs growing in a variety of situations, both in 

 low countries and at high alpine stations. The bark possesses 

 febrifuge properties. Osiers for basket - making are the 

 shoots from pollard stumps of S. viminalis, S. purpurea, 

 S. triandra, etc. Willows are adapted for planting in wet 

 situations. S. babylonica (Seileach-an-t-Srutha, C.), from 

 China, is one of the best known of Weeping Willows. 



S. alba, L. White Willow. Saile6g, I. Introduced. 

 Craobh Dhomhnuill Oig (at Seann Mhuileann), felled about 

 thirty years ago, was of this species, and one of the largest 

 trees in the island. May. The wood is light and tough, 

 and used in making cricket-bats, etc. The young wood is 

 burned into charcoal for the manufacture of gunpowder. 



S. purpurea, L. Purple Willow. Introduced. May. 



S. viminalis, L. Common Osier. Seileach Uisge. Near 

 pond, Kiloran. Used for making baskets. May. 



S. stipularis, Sm. East end of Loch Fada. May. 



S. caprea, L. Common Sallow. Goat Willow. Plantation, 

 Allt-ruadh. Introduced. May. The wood and branches 

 of the Sallow are particularly useful for making hurdles, 

 handles of hatchets, and shoemakers' boards ; its bark is 

 bitter and astringent; the Highlanders employ it to tan 

 leather, and the handles of various agricultural implements 

 are made from the wood. W. 



S. aurita, L. Round-eared Willow. Suileag, C. On 

 heather-covered hills, often as a low shrubby plant not 

 much taller than the heather. May. 



S. cinerea, L. Grey Sallow. Dubh Sheileach. Common 

 in moist situations. Used for making agricultural creels 

 and for tanning leather. Early in the season, when the sap 

 begins to flow and the bark parts readily from the wood, 

 boys make whistles of the smooth branches. May. 



