VItl. 2. THE WILLOW. 253 
city, and in the same countries at present, as in many countries 
at an early period of civilization, the twigs and branches have 
been of important use in constructing household utensils, pan- 
niers, harness, apparatus for fishing, and even habitations. The 
tough bark may be used for cords and matting, and in Tartary, 
its fibres have been spun and woven into cloth. Dr. Walker, a 
writer upon the willows, relates that “he has ridden in the 
Hebrides with a bridle made of twisted willow twigs, and lain 
all night at anchor with a cable made of the same material.’’ 
—Loudon, 1450. 
The bark of most species of willow, especially when stripped 
from the younger branches, is remarkable for its bitterness and 
astringency; and has been long employed, with marked success, 
in the treatment of intermittent fevers, and in other cases which 
require the use of tonics. Itis the best substitute known for 
Peruvian bark. In like manner, the salicine already spoken of, 
in the form of a sulphate, may take the place of sulphate of 
quinine, and is said to be preferable, in the case of patients of a 
delicate and irritable temperament.* 
The wood of the willow is soft, smooth, light, elastic, pliant 
and tough. In Europe, in ancient and modern times, it has 
been applied to many uses for which, in this country, other 
woods are commonly preferred. he larger trees take the place 
of pine, and are sawn into boards and planks for the frame- 
work and flooring of buildings; and, when kept dry, are found 
to last without decay, for more than a century. In Scotland, 
small vessels are made of the wood. It is also in request for 
the use of the turner, and for lasts and toys, as a substitute, when 
dyed, for ebony, also for ladders, for implements of husbandry, 
for the linmg of carts, and especially for use in works exposed 
constantly to water. The branches and twigs are of the first 
value for all kinds of wicker work and basket making, for hoops, 
and for all the purposes for which toughness, pliancy and elas- 
ticity are required. The wood 1s also extensively used, in many 
parts of Europe, for fuel, making a pleasant, clear fire, with 
* Elémens d’Histoire Naturelle Médicale, Par M. Achille Richard. 3me ed., 
1838. Tom. III., 185. 
