CHAP, xix S YL V A 165 



Viminlbus sallces 



1 8. But these sort of oziers would be cut in the 

 new shoot : For if they stand longer, they become 

 more inflexible ; cut them close to the head (a foot, 

 or so above earth) about the beginning of October ; 

 unless you will attend till the cold be past, which is 

 better ; and yet we about London, cut them in the 

 most piercing seasons, and plant them also till Candle- 

 mas, which those who do not observe, we judge ill 

 husbands, as I learn from a very experienc'd basket- 

 maker ; and in the decrease, for the benefit of the 

 workman, though not altogether for that of the stock, 

 and succeeding shoot : When they are cut, make 

 them up into bundles, and give them shelter ; but 

 such as are for white-work (as they call it) being thus 

 faggotted, and made up in bolts, as the term is, sever- 

 ing each sort by themselves, should be set in water, 

 the ends dipped ; and indeed all peel'd wares of the 

 viminious kind, are not otherwise preserved from the 

 worm ; but for black and unpeel'd, shelter'd under 

 covert only, or in some vault or cellar, to keep them 

 fresh, sprinkling them now and then in excessive hot 

 weather : The peelings of the former, are for the use 

 of the gard'ner and cooper, or rather the splicings. 



19. We have in England these three vulgar sorts ; 

 one of little worth, being brittle, and very much 

 resembling the fore-mentioned sallow, with reddish 

 twigs, and more greenish and rounder leaves : Another 

 kind there is, call'd perch, of limber and green twigs 

 having a very slender leaf ; the third sort is totally 

 like the second, only the twigs are not altogether so 

 green, but yellowish, and near the popinjay : This is 

 the very best for use, tough and hardy. But the 



