THE WILLOWS 57 



group of trees. They adorn the banks of 

 rivers and ponds. It is worthy of remark 

 that they thrive in damp and rheumatic 

 situations, and that from their bark salicin is 

 obtained, one of the most valuable specifics 

 in rheumatic affections. The bane and the 

 antidote, the ill and its cure, are often 

 associated in Nature. The White Willow 

 (Salix alba), Plate II., Fig. 7, has silky leaves 

 which give a whitish reflection. 



The Saugh, or Sallow (Salix caprea), Plate 

 II., Fig. 8, has larger and broader leaves, dark 

 green above, and covered beneath with white 

 down. In spring the tree is hung over with 

 bright yellow catkins, called by country folks 

 ' palms,' and in some places borne to church 

 on Palm Sunday. 



The Osier (Salix viminalis), Plate II., Fig. 9, 

 is of smaller growth. Its long, thin shoots 

 are used for wicker-work, and it is thought 

 that it was owing to the fine quality of the 

 osiers, that the baskets of the ancient Britons 

 had so great a repute. The leaves of the true 

 osier are variable in length, having their edges 

 without teeth or notches, the upper side 

 veined and the under silky. 



