The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1879-05-08
The Osier Willow.

we continue 10 receive Inquiries IT,
garding the osier or basket willow and
in answer to such inquiries we submit
the following information:
The best variety of the Osier for this
country is that known as the white viii
low. solir ciminalis, which basket makers
also consider superior for their business
on account of its whiteness, smoothness,
length and great ~fexibility.
In Europe and portions of this coun-
try where this willow is grown extern
sively a warm dry soil is required which
is literally MANFRED as if for corn. In
the ~alluvials of the Mississippi and
tributaries it would not require manur-
ing, thoughthe best results are obtained
by making the soil very rich.
The slips for planting are cut about
twelve inches in length and are placed
in rows two feet apart each way. They
should be pushed into the ground from
six to nine inches and at an angle of
about forty-fve degrees. This can be
easily and quickly done if the ground
has been properly prepared.
The cultivation for the first two years
consists in keeping out grass and weeds,
after which the crop will require little
attention. The leaves which annually
fall from the twigs, being kept in place
By the numerous little stumps, make all
the fertilizing then necessary. 1t is the
usual custom to allow the slips to grow
two years after being set. The first cut
ting will be of little value except for sets
for new plantations but the next and
each succeeding crop will be valuable.
There is a wide difference Of opinion
regarding the proper time to cut the
crop. Some cut in the autumn, some
III the early spring and some just when
the bark will easily peel off. Time is
gained by not waiting for ''peeling
time" When cut before the bark will
start, the twlgs are put up in small bun
dies and kept in a cool, damp place.
When wanted for use the butts of the
bundles are placed uprightly in about
SIX inches OF water and in a short time
the bark will slip freely.
4 machine has been invented to de-
nude the twig OF its bark, but the in
portions in this country to warrant put
ting it into the market.
The peeling is therefore done BY hand
here and III Europe. Children can do
this work as swell as adults. We engaged
ourself as a "stripper' when we were
quite a STRIPPING and that was more
than thirty years ago.
n forked stick or a slot, with a spiral
spring, is what is used for the purpose.
The work can be done very rapidly by
experts and is not unreasOnably labori-
Gus. The naked twig is then spread in
the sun to dry, care being taken that no
rain or dew shall fall upon it, as this
would stain it and perhaps produce mil
dew. After being thoroughly dried,
the twigs are tied up in bundles of con-
yenient size and are ready for market.
There is always a ready sale for good
willow. Prices range from 500, to
$l6O per ton for the dried. The crop
is sometimes sold green for from $40 to
50 per ton. variations in prices being
caused almost wholly by differences in
quality. An acre OF land will produce
from one to three tons.
1t will be noticed that the osier, after
the start is obtained, pays better
than most cultivated crops. 1t mu.t be
cultivated TO produce profit. The prop
er management would have to be learn
ed in the school of experience. to a
considerable extent, but if planting on
a small scale at first is done, no great
can cnsue. Set out a thousand
as an experiment, and increase
the area OF the willow orchard as You
increase in knowledge.
Care should be observed in obtaining
the true variety. Much depends upon
this. This can be purchased of horti-
cuIturists in the North, but we are not
able to give quotations for slips for
planting. The industry is destined 10
become Of considerable Importance at
40 very distant day. The extreme
South should add Its culture as a profit !
lb!e diversity.-Our Home Jaraal.
ir.rr Ir-IrInr al. ]