191 i.J Willows and their Cultivation. 561 



have been retarded in the previous season by fly-grub or 

 willow-beetle attacks, and they must be adapted to the require- 

 ments of the market for which the produce is intended. A 

 mixed crop is only of small value, whilst it involves a deal of 

 extra labour at peeling time. Moreover, a little additional 

 trouble and expense at the outset is well repaid, since a willow 

 ground will last from twenty to thirty years if properly cut 

 and cared for. All new plantations should be protected 

 against ground game, for even the buds of the bitter varieties 

 of willows are not proof against rats, rabbits, or hares. 



7. After the cuttings have been planted, the ground around 

 them should be thoroughly trodden down; if this is only 

 done in a slovenly manner many cuttings will die. 



8. If the bark of a cutting is much chafed or entirely 

 broken, the cutting should not be used. 



9. Basket willows will not pay if planted in small, out-of- 

 the-way corners. Any patches of spare land may be planted 

 for poles or timber, but not for basket willows. 



10. Willows make good wind screens or nurse trees, and 

 the species known as Salix rep ens will grow on the sea-shore 

 sand-dunes. It forms an excellent shelter for seaside gardens 

 and promenades, and is largely used at the best French coast 

 resorts and golf grounds for that purpose. Some willows 

 will grow on land occasionally overflowed with salt water, 

 provided it is suitable in other respects, whilst slightly 

 brackish tidal water suits all vigorous-growing sorts, as can 

 be seen on the islands and banks of the Thames, Severn, 

 Trent, &c. * ; 



1 1 . Willows, when planted on the banks of rivers, possess 

 an additional value by preventing denudation ; their long, 

 fibrous roots have great range and tenacity, and the shoots, 

 if cut every three years, can be easily sold as sticks. 



12. The inclusive cost of planting good-quality basket 

 willows is about 25s. per thousand or a little over, based on 

 19*360 plants per acre, the number necessary if planted 18 in. 

 by 18 in., which is the best distance for the choicer sorts. 



13- All cuttings should be pushed into the ground from 

 10 in. to 11 in. 



14. The number of cuttings required for an Imperial acre 

 is as follows :— Planted 16 in. by 16 in., 24,502; 18 in. by 



Q Q 



