CHAPTER XVII. 



OSIER-CULTURE. 



Selecting and Preparing the Ground. There are not a 

 few persons who consider that, in order to cultivate willows 

 successfully, any neglected, damp piece of ground, and that 

 which is unsuited for other crops, may be utilised, and the cut- 

 tings simply stuck in without ground-preparation of any kind. 

 This is, however, a great mistake, as experience has long 

 ago demonstrated that, in order to make osier-cultivation 

 at all profitable, a low, level, and, naturally, rather moist 

 situation mast be chosen, and the soil should be deep, well 

 drained, and thoroughly prepared. 



Thoroughly drain the ground first, then steam-plough or 

 trench the soil to a depth of about 18 in., removing carefully 

 all weeds, but particularly such troublesome kinds as the 

 bindweed, couch grass, and dock. 



It is always preferable to take a crop of potatoes first from 

 the land intended to be laid down for osier- culture, as it not 

 only sweetens and enriches the soil, but allows of all 

 obnoxious weeds being dispensed with. Where, however, 

 it is not practicable to crop the land first with potatoes, the 

 soil should be well and roughly broken up and left so for a 

 year, or for a winter, at least, before being planted with the 

 osiers. The best time to plant is from October to the 

 middle of March. 



Planting the Sets. The sets, or cuttings, should be 

 about 15 in. long, and formed of well-ripened rous, ul one 

 year's growth, and the straightest and cleanest portion of 

 the rod only used. Three or four buds should, if possible,. 



127 



