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quality they share with most Willows. Mr. Scaling’s 
renewed advocacy for the formation of Willow-plantations 
comes with so mnch force, that his advice is here given 
though condensed in a few words. Osier-plantations come 
into full bearing already in the third year ; they bear for 
ten years and then slowly decline. The raw-produce from 
an acre in a year averages 6 tons to 7i tons, ranging in 
price from £2 10s. to £3 10s. for the ton (unpeeled). 
Although 7000 acres are devoted in Britain to the culture 
of Basket Willows (exclusive of spinneys and plantations 
for the farmers’ own use), yet in 1866 there had to be 
imported from the Continent dlOO tons of Willow-branches, 
at a value of £44,000, while besides the value of the made 
baskets imported in that year was equal to the above sum. 
Land comparatively valueless for root or grain crop can be 
used very remuneratively for Osier-plantations. The soft- 
wooded Willows like to grow in damper ground, than the 
hard-wooded species. The best peeled Willow-branches 
fetch as much as £25 for the ton. Peeling is best effected 
by steam, by which means the material is also increased in 
durability. No Basket Willow will thrive in stagnant water. 
Osier-plantations in humid places should therefore be 
drained. The cuttings are best taken from branches one 
or two years old, and are to be planted as close as 1 foot by 
foot. No part of the cutting must remain uncovered, in 
order that only straight shoots may be obtained ; manuring 
and ploughing between the rows is thus also facilitated, 
after the crop has been gathered, and this, according to the 
approved Belgian method, must be done by cutting the 
shoots close to the ground after the fall of the leaves. 
Salvia officinalis, B. 
The Garden Sage. Countries at the Mediterranean Sea. A 
somewhat shrubby plant of medicinal value, pervaded by 
essential oil. Among nearly half a thousand species of this 
genus some are gorgeously ornamental. 
Sambucus nigra, L. 
The ordinary Elder. Europe, North Africa, Middle Asia. 
The flowers are of medicinal value, and an essential oil can 
