CHAP, xix S Y L V A 1 6 1 



4. Of these, the hopping-sallows are in greatest 

 esteem, being of a clearer terse grain, and requiring 

 a more succulent soil ; best planted a foot deep, and 

 a foot and half above ground (though some will allow 

 but a foot) for then every branch will prove excellent 

 for future setlings. After three years growth (being 

 cropped the second and third) the first years increase 

 will be 'twixt eight and twelve foot long generally ; 

 the third years growth, strong enough to make rakes 

 and pike-staves ; and the fourth for Mr. Blithe's 

 trenching plow, and other like utensils of the hus- 

 bandman. 



5. If ye plant them at full height (as some do at 

 four years growth, setting them five or six foot length, 

 to avoid the biting of cattel) they will be less useful 

 for streight staves, and for setlings, and make less speed 

 in their growth ; yet this also is a considerable im- 

 provement. 



6. These would require to be planted at least five 

 foot distance, (some set them as much more) and in 

 the quincunx order : If they affect the soil, the leaf 

 will come large, half as broad as a man's hand, and of 

 a more vivid green, always larger the first year, than 

 afterwards : Some plant them sloping, and cross-wise 

 like a hedge, but this impedes their wonderful growth; 

 and (though Pliny seems to commend it, teaching us 

 how to excorticate some places of each set, for the 

 sooner production of shoots) it is but a deceitful fence, 

 neither fit to keep out swine nor sheep ; and being set 

 too near, inclining to one another, they soon destroy 

 each other. 



7. The worst sallows may be planted so near yet, 

 as to be instead of stakes in a hedge, and then their 

 tops will supply their dwarfishness ; and to prevent 



