86 VOICES FROM THE WOODLANDS. 



Different species of the Salix tribe pass in review, each 

 with a distinctive character ; but, however interesting, T 

 shall briefly mention only such among our brethren as are 

 most conspicuous. First, then, is the sweet bay-leaved 

 willow, which affects moist woods and hedges, especially 

 in the north of England. The branches are cut to make 

 shingles, and the leaves, when dried, afford a yellow dye ; 

 the long sprouts, also, are much used in Yorkshire for 

 large baskets ; and the down of the species is employed 

 as a substitute for cotton in stuffing mattrasses and cushions, 

 and, when mixed with a third part of cotton, makes good 

 candle wicks. Next is the yellow, or golden osier, abundant 

 in rough low pastures and stream-sides. Of this, the 

 wood is white and tough, and the shoots are much used 

 by crate and basket-makers. Tew trees are more orna- 

 mental ; its golden-tinted branches look well when growing 

 beside water, with a dark background of pines, even in 

 the midst of winter ; and hence the yellow osier is planted 

 by fancy gardeners in pleasure-grounds, where it enlivens 



