232 BULLETIN NO. 62. 



what in the State, and their acreage could be considerably in- 

 creased with profit. Some species make fine specimens for 

 lawn and for roadside planting-. As a class of trees for general 

 planting, they need much more attention than they have had or 

 are now getting. We have but six species in our experimental 

 plat; all but one of these are importations from Europe. 

 Several of the American Willows are as well worth planting as 

 those described here. Bulletin 9, of the Minnesota Experiment 

 Station, by Professor S. B. Green, contains the best description 

 of European Willows of which we know. The names of the 

 species described are mostly those used by the nurserymen, 

 who offer nearly all of them for sale, and are more than likely 

 somewhat confused. The writer has no means at his command 

 for determining accurately, foreign species of the very per- 

 plexing genus to which the willows belong. 



Laurel-leaved Willow. (Salix lauri folia L.) Of the for- 

 eign willows on our grounds, the Laurel-leaved seems to be 

 the best. It can be easily made to take the tree form, and when 

 so grown, rapidly makes a good head and a fine, straight trunk. 

 It has, probably, the largest and most beautiful leaves of any of 

 the willows; the foliage has a bright, shiny appearance, as if 

 polished, and seems not to be attacked by fungi or insects. 

 The species is very thrifty, perfectly hardy, and the wood, in 

 its native land, is considered valuable, and will, we think, prove 

 so here. Our specimens have attained an average height of 25 

 feet and an average circumference of 18 inches. The wood is 

 light in weight, but strong and durable. 



Fragile Willow. (Salix fragilis L.) The Fragile Willow 

 is a native of Europe, but has escaped from cultivation in 

 many parts of this country. It receives its name from the 

 brittleness of the twigs at their juncture with the larger mem- 

 bers. Crack Willow and Brittle Willow are other names for 

 the same species. In Europe this willow is much valued for its 

 reddish wood, which is said to possess to a hig-h degree, the 

 qualities ascribed to the willows in the preceding paragraph, 

 and to make, besides, splendid fuel; all of which ought to com- 

 mend it to tree-planters of this State. Its bark is said to be of 

 value for tanning fine leather, and charcoal made from its wood 

 is much used in manufacturing gunpowder. The trees are 

 free growing, and eventually become medium-sized forest trees. 



