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ARBORETUM ET FRUTICETUM BRITANNICUM. 



H47. Salix s'.lba. 



for tanning as that of the oak ; and it is also used in medicine, in the cure 

 of agues, as a substitute for cinchona ; though it is inferior for both pur- 

 poses to that of S. Russelh'awff. As fuel, the wood of this tree is to that of 

 the beech as 808 is to 1540 ; but the old bark makes a very useful fuel ; and 

 both it and the wood will burn when green, in which state the wood is said 

 to give out most heat. The charcoal is excellent for use in the manufacture 

 of gunpowder, and for crayons. The ashes are very rich in alkali, containing 

 more than a tenth part of their weight of that salt. In France, a fine blood- 

 red colour is obtained from the bark ; and that of the young tree is used in 

 the preparation of leather for making gloves. 



It is justly remarked by Mr. Gorrie, that it adds much to the value of the 

 Salix alba, that its propagation and culture are of the most simple description, 

 and that it will grow luxuriantly in most soils where other trees make but 

 slow progress. According to Sang, it will thrive well in high and dry 



