THE WILLOW, ETC. 



127 



only four two, which are chiefly used in the manu- 

 facture of baskets, one which is a timber tree, and 

 another which is used principally as an ornament. 



The basket-making willows at least, those most 

 generally and frequently used for that purpose (for 

 baskets may be made of the twigs of many others) 

 are the Osier ( Salix mminalis) ; and the Yellow 

 Willoiu (Salix mtellina); the timber-tree is the 

 White Willow (Salix alba); and the ornamental 

 one, the Weeping Willow (Salix Babylonica). 



Osier Snlix viminalis. 



The osier is a native of most parts of Europe, and 

 grows spontaneously in fenny places. When allowed, 

 it becomes a small tree, but it is generally cut down 

 for basket-work. The osier grows very rapidly; and 

 is used only for the coarser basket-work, unless when 

 split into pieces. On the banks of large rivers, osier 

 beds may be planted with great advantage; and the 

 osier will also thrive in dry situations if the soil be 

 good. Cuttings of osiers take root very readily, and 



