312 THE WILLOW. 



to be more valuable than that of any other species. 

 The bark contains more of the tanning principle than 

 the Oak. It is in this species also that salicine is most 

 abundant. 



The Crack "Willow, Salix fragilis, derives its name from 

 the brittleness of the branches, which start from the trunk 

 under the slightest blow. Its leaves closely resemble those 

 of the Bedford Willow, but, according to Selby, " the 

 ramification is more oblique, and the branches in conse- 

 quence cross each other more. It is also less beautiful 

 and imposing in appearance, and seldom attains so great 

 a size. It is very subject to become naked, or stag-headed, 

 by the decay of its uppermost branches, though it con- 

 tinues to live and throw out long annual shoots for many 

 years afterwards. " When first cut, the sap-wood of the 

 Crack Willow is white, the heart-wood pale red; upon 

 exposure to the air, and when seasoned, both become of a 

 fine salmon colour. The roots afford a purple-red dye, 

 and are still used in Sweden and in France to colour 

 Easter eggs. 



The Goat Willow, Salix caprea, is the common coppice 

 and hedge Willow, whicb affords so early a banquet to 

 the bee. It may readily be distinguished by its purplisb- 

 brown branches, which are covered with minute down 

 when young, and by its large broad leaves, whicb are wavy 

 at the edge, and densely clothed beneath with soft, white, 

 cottony down. 



This species never attains a large size, but it forms a 

 valuable underwood. In Scotland, where it is called the 

 Saugh-tree, the wood is said to be much used for the 

 handles of hatchets, rake-teeth, and other articles which 

 require to be made of a light and tough material. The 

 branches, also, when two or three years old, make good 

 hoops for casks. 



The species of Salix which are used for basket-making 

 are usually called Osiers. Several kinds are in common 

 cultivation, all agreeing in bearing long, flexible, tough 



