292 VOICES FROM THE WOODLANDS. 



hurdles and rake-handles, or stakes and poles of great 

 length. 



Who, in passing, does not admire the willow-beds that 

 diversify the Thames near London ? One such, at Eichmond, 

 was devoted for charitable purposes many years since : 

 flannel is purchased from its proceeds, and poor and aged 

 persons are thus made comfortable during the winter 

 months. Nor is the gift a slight one ; for when the osier 

 has attained its full growth, it increases in quantity and 

 value, till the profits are almost incredible. The author 

 of a ' Treatise on Planting and Ornamental Gardening' 

 even states that in favourable situations, and in counties 

 where the twigs are in demand, osier-grounds have been 

 known to pay an annual rent of ten pounds per acre. 



The wood of the common white willow is preferred 

 for making milk-pails and butter-firkins, on account of 

 its whiteness, and for the same reason the chips are used 

 for willow-bonnets ; it is also in request for flooring, and 

 for chests and boxes, being equally tough and pliable. The 



