WILLOW. 281 



but certain peculiarities which pertain to different members 

 are deserving of brief notice. 



The bitter purple willow, for example, delights in marshes 

 and river- sides, where it rises to the height of three or four 

 feet. Eemove this plant to upland pastures, where grow 

 the juniper and dwarf birch, and its distinctive character 

 would utterly disappear ; the rich purple of its branches, and 

 the somewhat deeper hue of its leaves, would cease to excite 

 attention. But when growing in favourable localities, the 

 effect is beautiful, and the basket- maker readily discovers 

 his favourite shrubs ; for none among the willow tribe are 

 more valuable for fine basket-work, or for plaiting into low 

 close fences, to keep out hares and rabbits. The leaves and 

 bark are so intensely bitter that no animal will touch them, 

 and the twigs are so long and tough, yet flexible, that they 

 may be interwoven into almost every shape. 



The rose-willow, of which osier-beds are mostly con- 

 structed, is used also for all sorts of twig- work. The black- 

 bird cage, which is seen with its jet black warbling occu- 



