WILLOW 121 



and inlaying, and many trunks grown in London have 

 been converted into cabinets and tables by their 

 owners. 



Willow 



(Salix) 



THE White or Huntingdon Willow (Salix alba) 

 attains to large proportions in many parts of the 

 Metropolis and may therefore be considered as a good 

 town tree. Even in the East End, where almost stifled 

 by smoke and dust, the Willow succeeds, as also in 

 Red Lion Square, Paddington Cemetery, and in other 

 confined parts of the City. By the lake-side in Regent's 

 Park, as also in the grounds of the Royal Botanic 

 Society, may be seen specimens that are quite as large 

 as any growing under more favourable conditions in 

 the country. The largest, which is growing by the 

 pond-side in the latter place, is 80 feet high and the 

 stem girths 10 feet 10 inches at 5 feet up, while the 

 branch spread is 75 feet. 



This is the finest and most picturesque of the 

 Willows, and when given room for development 

 attains to large dimensions, forming an elegant and 

 imposing tree that is peculiarly suited for planting by 

 the water margin. The lance-shaped leaves have a 

 silvery appearance when ruffled by the breeze, owing 

 to the white under sides. 



The Crack Willow (S. fragilis) also does well 

 in certain parts of London, but it is neither so orna- 

 mental nor desirable for very smoky localities as is the 

 White Willow. Paddington Cemetery can boast of a 

 good specimen of the Crack Willow, the branch spread 

 being 45 feet and the stem girth at a yard up 7 feet 



