RUSSELL, OR DUKE OF BEDFORD^ WILLOW. 159 



profitable return to the planter. When grown in com- 

 pany, or planted in mass, the side branches are kept 

 small, and do not interfere with the growth of the main 

 stem of the tree ; it therefore runs up to a great height, 

 with a clean straight trunk, and is thus rendered fit for 

 many purposes to which, when grown as a single or 

 hedgerow tree, it is seldom applicable. At Twizell, about 

 sixteen years planted, it is upwards of forty feet high, 

 with a straight stem, measuring three feet ten inches in 

 circumference at one foot from the ground. At Tallowden, 

 the seat of General Sir H. Grey, there are some fine ex- 

 amples of this tree, averaging upwards of sixty feet in 

 height, and about eight feet in girth. 



From experiments that have been instituted, it appears 

 that the bark of the Bedford Willow contains, in a given 

 quantity, a greater proportion of tannin than that of the 

 oak ; this ought to render it as valuable to the tanner 

 as the bark of that tree, but we do not find that it is 

 much sought after or in demand, at least such is the case 

 in the north of England. This, however, may arise from 

 its superiority not being generally known to the trade, 

 though we apprehend that a mistaken prejudice, and an 

 unwillingness to make trial of a new material, (however 

 good it may be,) because it is new, may have their effect 

 in preventing its general application. Most of the insects 

 and larva? which feed upon the Sal. alba are also found 

 upon this tree. 



