62 Field, Forest, and Wayside Flowers 
of its principal branches, and there results an out- 
growth of the tough, lithe osiers from which baskets 
and chair-seats are woven. 
The willow is about the first of our native 
trees to put forth foliage. The elm, ash, and oak 
—canny northerners all—are late, and their leafing 
has given rise to some quaint rural sayings. The 
peasantry of the old world have been accustomed 
from time immemorial to arrange their farming 
pursuits according to indications given by certain 
trees and flowers. ‘‘ The leafing of the elm,’’ 
says Thistleton Dyer, ‘‘has for generations been 
made to regulate agricultural doings, and hence the 
old rule: 
‘When the elmen-leaf is as big as a mouse’s ear, 
Then to sow barley never fear.’” 
With which may be compared another piece of 
weather-lore: 
‘“‘Whenthe oak puts on his gosling gray, 
’Tis time to sow barley night or day.” 
The oak and the ash come into leaf almost 
together, and rural folk used to watch the trees 
to find out whether the coming summer would be 
a rainy or a dry one. 
“Tf the oak is out before the ash, 
‘Twill be a summer of wet and splash; 
