APEIL 



211 



Probably the Goat {Salix caprea), the Weeping (S. baby- 

 lonica), the Black {S. nigra), the White {S. alba), and the 

 Long Beaked {S. rostrata) are among the more distinc- 

 tive and better known willows. 



The goat willow is frequently seen in lawns. It fur- 

 nishes the foundation for the weeping uinbrella-like tree 

 called Kilmarnock Willow. Tlie catkins appear long be- 

 fore the roundish leaves, and, in ripening, show better 

 than any other '' pussies " either the yellow stamens, or 

 the two-horned pistils, of which they are composed. 



The wood of the willow makes the best of charcoal, 

 and is used in medicine ; but it finds its greatest commer- 

 cial value in the manufacture of wicker work. 



The Oaks: 



"The monarch Oak, the patriarch of trees, 

 Shoots rising up, and spreads by slow degrees ; 

 Tliree centuries he grows, and three he stays 

 Supreme in state, and in three more decays." 



Oak. 



