9o8 



Varieties of Willows. 



[FEB., 



3. "Black German " ranks amongst high-class willows, and 

 is easily recognised by a wavy appearance in the growth 

 of the shoot. Less hard than some of the varieties, it is 

 suited to a medium loam with good drainage ; it will resist 

 blight and thrive through a dry period better than many other 

 varieties of S. triandra. Shoots, 4 ft. to 7 ft. long, a heavy 

 cropper, and straight at the butt. This willow often cuts six 

 to seven tons to the acre, worth as green £4. per ton, or as white 

 £20 to £22 per ton. It does not strip well for white from 

 the water, and peels best when cut from the head about 

 May 1 st and laid in the pie for sweating.* Produces a good 

 buff. Plant 18 in. by 18 in. 



4. "French," like many of the varieties of this species, 

 produces both light and dark coloured rods. A superior 

 working willow; shoots, from 4 ft. to 6 ft. long. Equally 

 suitable for white or buff. Thrives on upland soil, and does 

 not require so much moisture as many other varieties of the 

 triandra. A liberal producer, and ready seller at good prices. 

 As green it realises £4 to £\ 105. per ton; white or buff, 

 £22 to £24 per ton. Plant 18 in. by 18 in. (This must not 

 be confused with the "French Osier" S. viminalis.) 



5. "Pomeranian," a variety imported and highly prized bv 

 the late Mr. William Scaling. A high-class willow closely 

 resembling "French," less vigorous in growth, but harder in 

 quality ; an ideal willow for straightness ; long and slender ; 

 shoots average from 3 ft. to 5 ft.; admirably adapted for 

 the finest willow work. Equally suited for white or buff, and 

 a ready seller at high prices. As white, the writers have known 

 it realise £28 per ton. Plant 18 in. by 18 in. 



6. "Mottled Spaniards." The best of the Spaniards, and | 

 quite different from a rod called by the same name and grown 



in East Anglia. Is easily distinguishable by small red 

 blotches, producing a mottled appearance on the upper pari 

 of the rod, when the growth is completed and the wood ripe. 

 A heavy cropper; shoots, 5 ft. to 7 ft. 6 in. long; fairly sound 

 quality; makes useful two-year-olds; suited to all general I 

 work ; prefers a damp, cool warp or loamy soil, well drained ; 

 and makes equally good white or buff. Plant 20 in. by 20 in. 



7. "Lincolnshire Dutch," a vigorous grower closely re- 



* Details of this method will be given in a later article. 



