When we consider the variety of profitable uses to which Willow may be applied, and the extent to which it is cultivated in other countries, the question is suggested, Why has so little of it been grown hitherto in the United States? A satisfactory answer may be found in the following considerations: The most vigorous growers of England, whose succulent leaves present a fine delicate texture, are not able to withstand the drying winds and scorching suns of American summers; consequently the growing is, at the approach of hot weather, either stopped for the season or suspended, until the warm rains of autumn produce an aftergrowth that is so feeble and branching as to be worthless; or, in some varieties, as Caprea, the shoots become so rigid and wanting in pliability that they are of little value. Salix viminalis, of which more is sold in the London market than of all others, (so popular that it is called the Osier,) fails entirely of giving good shoots in this country, although it grows to the size of a tree; and the celebrated Longskin, of Nottinghamshire is no better.

The Bedford or Dishley Willow (S. Russelliana) and the Huntington branch.very much, and are quite inferior.

Thus from the failure of the most esteemed varieties of Europe, in consequence of non-adaptation to our climate, a great discouragement arose at the commencement of Willow culture in this country, which has been in operation from the time it was undertaken at the suggestion of the elder Prince to the present day. But that obstacle has been removed, as well as others of scarcely inferior magnitude; and the way to success has become obvious and easy, and the knowledge necessary to secure it as easily acquired as that of any other culture. A few years since a friend of mine found himself surrounded by circumstances which rendered it very desirable that he should cultivate Willow successfully. He diligently set about a thorough investigation of the subject, determined to bring into his service all available elements of success. In furtherance of this obiect (chiefly through my agrency) he imported every variety of Willow of any note cultivated in Europe, and conducted a suite of experiments with them, in different localities and on various soils.

Their economic characters for our climate have been ascertained, and the result is, that among many of considerable value, three have been found of such general and particular excellence as to rank them above all others - with one remarkable exception soon to be named.

1st Forbes' Willow - Salix Forbyana

Hardy and productive, its rods having almost a leathery toughness; but it does not whiten well, and in consequence its usefulness is greatly abridged. For work where unpeeled rods are used, it is most excellent.

2d. Long-Leaved Triandrous Willow - S. Triandra

This whitens beautifully, is very tough and pliable, and grows vigorously with less drainage than any other of good quality. If the soil is very deep, it will grow with almost equal vigor where the ground is very dry; and in addition it has the excellent habit of early ripening the extremities of its shoots, on which account it is quite hardy in high northern latitudes. With our German basket-makers it is a general favorite, particularly for split work. As an ornamental tree it is also deserving of attention.

3d. Purple Willow - S. Purpurea

This is the representative of a large class, and appears to be far more valuable for osiers in America than in England, where it is represented as giving shoots of from three to five feet in length. I have standing by me a bundle of its shoots, from cuttings planted last spring, that average more than six feet; and another bundle, from established plants, of nearly ten feet They were grown with good but not extraordinary culture, and any good field may easily do as well. It is much more fastidious in its habitat than either of the preceding - delights in richness, depth, and moisture, but does not tolerate excess of wetness. When well established, it has but one superior in productiveness, and may easily be made to yield four tons per acre of the most excellent rods, particularly for fine whole work, for which it has no superior. For live fences it is very valuable, and in England is "extensively used for fences for the exclusion of hares and rabbits, as well as cattle, the bark and leaves being so intensely bitter that they will touch neither, while the shoots, being long, tough, and flexible, may be formed into any shape; and a fence of this kind is reckoned little if at all inferior to that made of wire, which, when made dose enough to exclude small animals and strong enough to form a barrier against large ones, is very expensive." *

The subject of Willow for fences is so extensive and important, that I shall leave that for an entire article, remarking, by the way, that on the great western prairies it will soon be found to be invaluable, not only for fences, but for shelter from the sweeping winds. A screen of twenty-five feet in height may be grown from Willow cuttings in five years, and at a slightly retarded rate of annual increase until a height of sixty feet is gained; thus almost immediately affording "that shelter which is so indispensable at all seasons of the year, that there is no safety without it" +

* English Flors.

+ See very rateable article on « Shalter" in Horticulturist, 1868, p. 845, worth a year's subscription to any man.

Salix caprea, although of but little consideration as an osier, may claim attention in some other respects. It will grow rigorously in very wet situations, where other Willows will not live, and its large, showy catkins, which it produces very early and in the greatest abundance, furnish food for bees at a time when it is most needed. In Europe, where honey is an important article of produce, it is greatly prized for that purpose, and often makes the entire difference between an abundant yield and an entire failure, by saving the bees from starvation, coming as it does with the first warm weather which calls the bees from their hives, and before any other flowers appear. But in this respect caprea is about to be eclipsed by a new variety that by rare good fortune was, in the course of Dr. Grant's investigations, procured from England, which proves to be a great acquisition, not only in the arts, but as an ornamental tree. It is perfectly adapted to the climate of the United States, and is much more vigorous and productive than any other variety known. Cuttings of the size of a pipe-stem, six inches long, planted last April, made during the season shoots eleven feet long.