WILLOW. 



(Salix.) 



The willows are very widely distributed over both con- 

 tinents, and their history extends back over a very considerable 

 period. Pliny states that Britons used to make voyages in 

 boats of willow. The willow mentioned in the Bible was the 

 Salix babylonica, or weeping willow, later acclimated in this 

 country. 



The principal experience with the tough, light, workable, 

 elastic wood has been in Europe. The ancients used it for 

 shields, because it was one of the woods that would indent 

 without breaking. Lazlett states that it is used for cart-linings 

 because it will not splinter when struck by stones. It has 

 been used for lap-boards, cricket-bats, keels, paddles, and 

 water-wheels. It resists heat and friction and is therefore used 

 for lining friction-brakes. Willow charcoal ignites readily and 

 is highly esteemed in the manufacture of the finer kinds of 

 gunpowder. The bark is used in tanning. The little branches 

 have long been associated with baskets and woven work. 

 American trees are seldom cut up into lumber, but are valued 

 for shade and appearance, and are often planted along the 

 banks of streams to prevent erosion. 



Willows grow very rapidly and have a characteristic and 

 attractive appearance. They usually prefer low moist places. 

 There are so many hybrids and peculiar species as to render 

 classification in all cases difficult.* Black willow is the native 

 species, oftenest attaining to tree size in North America. The 

 White, Crack, Bedford, and Goat Willows (Salix alba, S. fra- 

 gilis, S. russeliana, and 6". capred] are said to afford good 

 wood. Salix is said to be from the Celtic sal, meaning near, 

 and Us, water. Salicylic acid is abundantly present in the bark 

 of some species. 



* About 140 species and varieties of the willow family have been enumerated. 



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