WILLOW TREE. 



SALIX. 



SALICINE.*. DICECIA DIANDRIA. 



The word salix expresses quick growth. Fre nch, saule ; Italian, 

 salcio. 



SOIL, climate, and situation so greatly influence the 

 Willow, that varieties are multiplied beyond number ; 

 many which are but varieties, too, have been divided 

 into distinct species, so that their number is very great. 

 According to some botanists, there are more than fifty 

 British Willows only. 



The general appearance of the Willow is well known ; 

 and it will suffice to notice such things as are of interest 

 in a few of the species. 



The Sweet, or Bay-leaved Willow, Salix pentandria, 

 is much used in Yorkshire for making baskets ; its leaves 

 afford a yellow dye. 



Baskets are made from many of the Willows, as well 

 as the Osier, which belongs to this genus ; but of the 

 Willows, the Bitter Purple Willow, Salix purpurea, is 

 the best adapted for that purpose, and is used for the 

 finest work. 



The Yellow Willow, Salix vitellma, is very common 

 in Russia, and is used at Easter, instead of Palms, in the 

 Greek churches. The down will make tolerable paper, 

 and serve some of the purposes of genuine cotton. 



The Common, or White Willow, Salix alba, takes its 



