Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1856-03-20
OI)e GQrmer.
Written F,r the Green Mountain Freeman.
The Basket Willow.

4n9 BaslEeG WIiICW.
EDITOR OF FREEMAN,-DcGr sir " our
correspondent who signs himself AgrIcola'
is only another example Of how much easier
it is to believe lie than the truth.
The cultivation Of the Basket Willow has
been neglected in this country for long time
on account OF the Importers Of orciga willow
who have been very Jealous in smothering
any enquiry which might be raised upon the
subject. They have even stated that the best
French Osiers " could not be grown in this
country" and many other similar statements
which would tend to deter any one from un-
dertaking the business.
TheJ have also ehdeavored to keep the
amount imported, from being kncwn. But
with all their opposition, it has finally been
proved that the best willows wiH grow in
this country, and that their cultivation viii
pay much larger profit than any other crop,
even when pcetrdh y hand, as they are IN the
old Country. This fact has been so many
times proved, by those who are cultivatlng
willows, that any one can only display their
ignorance Of the business by doubling it.
And since there has been Machine made
which reduces the cost OF their cultivation and
preparation for market almost to that OF hay,
the importers Of foreign willow have discover
ed that their days are numbered :" and 1t
would not be expected that they would give
up the ghost y without a struggle. And
as it is so well proved that willows can be
grown here, they are now endeavorlng to de-
ter any Que from engaging IN the business, by
stating that there are 40 willows imported into
this country, and that there is no market for
them,--a faIsehood so baroiaced that any one
who will take the least trouble to enquire into
the business, will at once discover it. Taer
statements, which are being extensively cop
led, will, no doubt, prevent many from Ian
ting willows bat that will only delay the
matter for short time, and make it the better
for the few VINO 90 plant, And should not
wonder il your correspondent was making
preparations to plant largely himself, and
throws out the remarks whic he does, for the
same reason that the importers do,-that he
may retain the market to himself. Why
don't he give us his name and render a reason
for his statements, and not undertake to hide
a lalsehood under false name. lie gives
people " caution in regard to my Machine.
If he thinks that have made any statements
in respect to the Machine or the business,
which are not 50, why does he not take some
measure to learn the fact, and then expose me,
[ am willing to be brought up before any
tribunal which he may choose, and have my
character examined as far as he pleases; and
| will give him the names Of every man who
knows any thing about me, including those
who have purchased willow cuttings Of me,
and he may summons them all for witnesses.
Or if that would be to much trouble, let him
come and see me himself, and get acquainted
with me. He could then have better chance
tojudgc my character, and perhaps might
learn something about the willow business.
have spent four years time aud some two
th0usaad dollars in money, to learn this bust
ness and have now published the information
which have obtained, >and offer to furnish
it trcc to any who wi.l'ask Tor it; and if they
are not satisfied that the statements therein
made are fucts, stand ready 10 prove them.
will not take room here to make any
statements in regard tofthe cultivation OF
willows, or tae market .4or .thsm. hut will
forward u circular containinns4them, with the
proof Of their correctness, to any Que sending
in their address.
II " Agricola thinks that our beautiful
country is going to s.sta$nod jnt6 a wilderness
by planting wi7711Ss, wFybaf he says can never
be destroyed, Or rooted out, when once plan
ted, it is his duty to give people warning OF
the sad consequence; and If he will make
himself known, and show us that his fears
are well grounded, we will all join him like
good patriots, and try to save our country.
do not pretend that willows vii! always
command the price they pow do, but | ia
say, without fear of contradiction that well
managed willow plantation will continue TO
pay well fot cultivation, as long as wood
grows and water RUS
| will not intru(e more at present, but If your
correspondent has anything more to say upon
this subject, | shall be pleased to meet him in
any way he chooses am open to convic-
ton; and if | am in the wrOng, shall be
pleased to acknowledge it, if any o@c will
show me the right GEo j. Colby.
JOaesUiNs, VI.