Chap. 68.] 
THE WILLOW. 
409 
port for the vine. Cato^^ recommends that it should be 
planted in a damp situation, the soil being first turned up with 
a double mattock, and a distance of three feet left between the 
young layers ; he says, too, that the wild asparagus from 
which the cultivated species is produced, may be planted to- 
gether with it, as they agree particularly well together. 
(37.) He says also that the willow may be planted in its 
vicinity, than which there is no aquatic plant of more general 
utility, although the poplar may be preferred for the training 
of the vine, and the support of the Csecuban grape ; although, 
too, the alder affords a more efficient protection by the hedges 
it forms, and, planted in the very water, makes a rampart 
along the banks in defence of the adjoining country against 
the violence of the rivers when they overflow ; when cut down, 
too, this last tree is useful for the innumerable suckers which 
it throws out. 
CHAP. 68. — THE willow: eight varieties of it. 
Of the willow, too, there are several varieties. One^^ of them 
throws out its branches to a considerable height ; and these, 
coupled together, serve as perches for the vine, while the bark 
around the tree itself is used for withes.^^ Others, again, 
of a more pliable nature, supply a flexible twig, which is used 
for the purpose of tying ; while others thro^ out osiers of 
remarkable thinness, adapted by their suppleness and graceful 
slenderness for the manufacture of wicker-work.^^ Others, 
again, of a stouter make, are used for weaving panniers, 
and many other utensils employed in agriculture ; while from 
a whiter willow the bark is peeled off, and, being remarkably 
tractable, admits of various utensils being made of it, which 
require a softer and more pliable material than leather : this 
last is also found particularly useful in the construction of 
those articles of luxury, reclining chairs. The willow, when 
^9 De Re Bust. c. 6. It was the donax that was thus employed ; as it 
is in France at the present day. 
50 Ocuhs. See B. xvii. c. 33. 
51 See B. xix. c. 42. 
5''- The white willow, Salix Alba of Linnaeus. 
53 The Salix vitellina more particularly is used in France for this 
purpose. 
5i The Salix helix of Linnseus. 
55 The Salix amygdalina of Linnaeus.^ 
