DUCKS. 199 



root, grew, and in the next spring, from the four shoots 

 it had made, four more sets were inserted among the shrubs. 

 These, too, grew vigorously, and finding, what was not ex- 

 pected, that osiers will thrive far apart from water (the well 

 is ninety feet deep, and running water is not within a mile), 

 sets having been thrust in everywhere among the shrubs, 

 among the underwood in little plantations, between small 

 trees in orchards, in spare corners all over the place ; and, 

 except where gravel comes near the surface, the osier grows 

 vigorously. But the soil is a good loam on a brick earth. 

 The advantage of having an ample supply of ' bonds ' to 

 tie up faggots of all kinds, to bind faggots (when tied) to 

 rails, so as to make stockyards warm, or fit up temporary 

 places of shelter, and to fasten up bundles and hampers, is 

 very great ; many balls of cord are saved. Every February 

 a man goes round and cuts all the osier stools down to the 

 stump, and where the neighbouring plants are ready to 

 occupy all the ground, roots out the osiers which have 

 served as nurses and temporarily occupied part of the soil. 

 Besides those used on the place, there are generally four 

 or five bundles which are sent to the neighbouring basket- 

 maker, who weaves them into hampers, fowl baskets, and 

 into what articles of wicker-work are wanted, making two 

 sizes, so as to use all-sized twigs. The variety has a 

 yellowish-brown bark, a smooth shining leaf, and is quite 

 free from any kind of efflorescence. It does not seem to 

 differ when worked up' from the ordinary appearance of 

 unpeeled baskets, so probably the osier is the common 

 variety ; yet it has won itself a local reputation here, and 

 some twenty or more people have come to ask ' cuttings of 

 them tough bonds of yourn.' This osier grows, but does not 

 thrive, on sand, gravel, or a bank; on the flat it grows 

 vigorously." 



Here is a chance whereby enterprise may pay the rent, 

 utilize waste marshy corners, and afford cover and hiding- 

 places for several sorts of wildfowl ! 



