TREES HAVING SIMPLE LEAVES 



105 



The willow is always a striking tree, not only because 

 of its weeping or drooping appearance, but also because 

 we usually associate it with water. 



What is more common in the country than a stream 

 hidden by the willows which crowd its bank and dip 



down into the clear 

 water ! 



Then, too, we watch 

 it for the first sign of 

 spring, and friends in dif- 

 ferent states often vie 



r J/^i w ith each other to 

 discover the first 

 pussy willow, the name given to the soft, downy buds 

 which appear often before the snow has melted. 



The willow is dear to boys, because on the green twigs 

 in spring the bark can be separated from the wood and a 

 whistle or simple flute manufactured. 



