126 



Osier Cultivation. 



[may, 



from similar altitudes must be obtained, and Dr. Somerville 

 thinks it not unlikely that woods could be grown in Scotland 

 at greater heights than at present if high-grown coniferous 

 seed were obtained for the purpose. Generally seed should be 

 obtained from well-grown healthy trees situated in the district 

 where the woods are to be grown, or in a district of similar 

 character. 



The most suitable soil for the growth of osiers is a deep, 

 rich, moist, alluvial soil, but an example of how well osiers 



will grow on other soils and under corn- 

 Osier Cultivation. paratively unfavourable conditions is 



shown by their successful cultivation 

 on the Atlantic seaboard of the island of Harris.* 



The soil is partly deep peat, partly a loam of peat and 

 boulder-clay debris, and partly a poor, brashy, gravelly boulder 

 drift of an exceptionally hungry nature. The extent of land 

 planted was small, being only one-eight of an acre. In March, 

 1905, the plot was planted with cuttings of Merrion osier, 

 30 in. by 24 in. apart. This osier has been identified as Salix 

 viminalis. All the sets rooted well, but when about 3 or 4 ft. 

 high were much disturbed and loosened by strong winds. 

 In February, 1906, the crop was cut, and weighed 1,022 lb. 

 green off the stool. This was equal to 3 tons 13 cwts. per 

 acre, which is a heavy crop for a first cutting. The second crop 

 was cut in January, 1907, and weighed 1,753 lb., or 6 J tons per 

 acre ; while it is stated that the yield in 1908 is anticipated 

 to amount to 10 tons per acre. More plots are being planted 

 out with other varieties. The best results appear to be got 

 from the use of two-year-old cuttings, costing from 9s. to 12s. 

 per 1,000. About 17,000 are required to plant an acre, and 

 they must be fenced against farm stock and rabbits. 



An interesting account of osier growing under more usual 

 conditions is given in the Quarterly Journal of Forestry (April, 

 1907), where the results obtained ffbm an osier bed situated on 

 an island in the bed of the River Thames opposite Isleworth 

 are described by Mr. B. V. Ramaiengar. 



The area of the osier bed is about 6J acres, and being in the 

 tidal portion of the river, it is flooded during high tides. The 



Journal of Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society, Vol. xxi, Part I, 1908. 



