CHAPTER XVIII. 



Osier Planting. 



Theke are many spots in the colony where osiers could be grown to great 

 advantage and profit to the owner. At present the making of basket- 

 ware is not one of our industries, but when we think of the large num- 

 ber of baskets which could be utilised in the shipping of fruit and 

 potatoes to our local and foreign markets, it is, I think, a matter of sur- 

 prise that the subject has not been taken up before now. Peeling con- 

 vinced, however, that it will ere long receive that amount of public 

 attention which it here deserves, I devote a short chapter to some 

 recommendations regarding the formation of osier beds. 



The Osiers (salix — ^from the Celtic sal, near, and lix, water) are a genus 

 of plants indigenous chiefly to the continents of Europe and America. 

 The family is a very numerous one, and possesses many varieties closely 

 allied to one another. The term " willow" is applied to the same genus. 

 Some members of the family attain to the size of trees, and produce 

 timber valuable for works requiring soft woods. 



The species most suitable for the purpose of osier plantations in this 

 country are the following : — 



Salix Viminalis, or common osier. — This is the common willow of 

 Europe, and is extensively cultivated as an osier. For -nackerwork and 

 boop-making the shoots are unequalled. A rapid grower, and easily pro- 

 pagated from cuttings. 



Salix Stipularis, or the auricle-leaved osier. — In Holland this species 

 is largely cultivated for the making of hoops and rods. 



Salix Rubra, or green-leaved osier. — A very tough species, now in 

 general use, and a rapid grower ; suitable for crates, basket, and wicker- 

 work. 



Salix Forbyana, the fine basket osier. A strong, pliable, and easily 

 worked species ; valuable for the finer sorts of wickerwork. 



Salix Triandra, the long-leaved osier.- — This is a very common kind, 

 and is grown for basket and hoop-making. Shoots grow 9ft. long in one 

 season. 



Salix Purpurea, or the bitter >villow. — A very tough willow, and used 

 for withes and baskets. It is bitter to the taste, and hence is not liable 

 to be eaten by insects. This kind will grow in sites constantly covered 

 with water. Prefers soils somewhat light, and not retentive or clayey. 

 In suitable spots makes a quick-growing and valuable hedge or screen. 



