57 



inclined to spread than those of the wliite Avillow ; 

 but to the botanist such a chararteristic would 

 have no significance, and we do not think there is 

 much in it. Both kinds produce their leaves and 

 flowers simultaneously in May. A well-known 

 variety of the crack willow is the Bedford willow 

 5. /. Riisselliana. 



The weeping willow, S. Babvlomca, is a beautiful 

 exotic species. A native of Japan, it was intro- 

 duced into this country about a hundred and fift}' 

 years ago. It does not often attain a height 

 of more than about twenty or twenty-five feet. 

 The leaves and green yellow flowers appear in 

 May. It is only for its ornamental effecl that it is 

 cultivated; the timber is valueless. The prominent 

 position of the little subjetl of our photograph has 

 probably made it familiar to many river Thames 

 boating people. Its confrere the crack willow, 

 which we have selected as our specimen of the 

 larger species, grows opposite to it on the other 

 side of the river. 



The weeping willow is frequently planted in 

 burial grounds in the East, and in contrast to 

 the gloomy shade of the cypress or the yew, its 

 tearful expression is described rather as "conveying 

 " a picture of the grief felt for the loss of the 

 " departed than of the darkness of the grave." 



The goat sallow, S. caprca. — This familiar 

 variety, which we see flourishing in our dry woods 



