1 6a SYLVICULTURAL NOTES ON 



WILLOWS 



The S allow , Saugh, or Goat Willow (Salix caprea). 



A native of Great Britain and Europe. It is found up to 

 an elevation of 2,000 feet in Scotland. It will succeed on any 

 aspect and on almost any soil, and is very hardy. It is light- 

 demanding and a rapid grower. It is not of much value and 

 is usually considered as a weed, and is cut out in the cleanings 

 and thinnings. It seeds well, but is ordinarily propagated 

 from cuttings. It could be used to provide temporary shelter 

 to more valuable trees in unfavourable situations. 



The White Willoiv (Salix alba). 



A native of Europe and Asia, and probably of Great 

 Britain. It is very accommodating as to soil and situation so 

 long as there is plenty of moisture, and is very useful along 

 the banks of rivers and streams. It is light-demanding and 

 hardy. It coppices and pollards well, and is the best willow 

 for providing small material for cask hoops and basket-work. 

 It is propagated from cuttings about 5 feet long. If grown 

 closely it will produce a good length of clean timber. 



A variety of this willow (Salix alba caerulea) is the best for 

 cricket-bats, and Salix alba is the next best willow for this 

 purpose. The female trees are said to be better than the male, 

 and therefore cuttings of female trees should be obtained from 

 Essex, Suffolk, and Herts., where the best willow for cricket- 

 bats is now obtained. Well-grown timber fit for bats fetches 

 a very good price. Trees are usually ready for cutting at 

 about thirty-five years of age. Timber with large rings and 

 no heartwood is the most valuable. 



Crack Willow (Salix fragilis). 



This willow will grow in most soils and situations provided 

 there is sufficient moisture. It is a very hardy and quick- 

 growing tree. It is treated and propagated like the white 



