562 



Willows and their Cultivation. 



[OCT., 



18 in., 19,360; 20 in. by 20 in., 15,681; 22 in. by 22 in., 

 12,960; 24 in. by 24 in., 10,890; 27 in. by 27 in., 8,604; 

 30 in. by 30 in., 6,970; 36 in. by 36 in., 4,840. 



15. If willows are collected for scientific observation or 

 botanical classification, any decision in regard thereto should 

 be postponed until they have been grown in a trial ground. 

 Varieties which for years have been regarded as distinct have 

 often in two or three years so changed that no variations what- 

 ever have been recognisable. Willows are so materially 

 altered by soil, climate, and situation that experts who have 

 studied them for long periods are often deceived ; but if the 

 above plan is adopted much confusion will be removed, and 

 many of the so-called species and varieties will be eliminated. 



16. When cuttings are planted with a view to growing 

 timber trees, all the first-year shoots should be cut to the 

 ground, and any defective or crooked shoots removed at the 

 end of the second year, leaving straight, clean stuff to grow 

 on for timber. 



17. To pollard a willow destroys its value as timber suit- 

 able for bat-makers, who, for maiden growth, will pay very 

 high prices. Dr. A. Henry, of Cambridge, informs the 

 writers that the selling price of cricket-bat willow timber on 

 the ground often reaches 14s. per cubic foot,* and may even 

 be higher. He also quotes an actual sale of a lot of trees, 

 averaging 10 in. in quarter-girth, and each estimated to yield 

 three rows of cricket-bats, at £3 11s. per tree. The produce 

 from a pollard tree can only be used for fencing purposes; 

 moreover, the head harbours all kinds of noxious insects, and 

 wet and frost soon destroy the heart of the trunk. 



18. In a country like our own, the wisdom of planting 

 quick-growing timber cannot be over-estimated. The willow 

 is not only one of the most remunerative trees to cultivate, 

 but no wood commands a readier sale or is more difficult to 

 obtain. 



* It should, however, be noted that the lower part of the tree only is measured 

 (about 7 feet in a ten-year old), the upper part being valueless for bat willow. 



