Northern tribune. [volume] (Cheboygan, Mich.) 1875-1885, 1882-09-02
The willow as a Timber Tree.

And there are some trees that are more
deserving Of attention than has general
ly been given them in this country. The
willows instance, have seldom beer. cul-
tivated in large way; and yet there are
few trees SO easily grown, or which will
pay better for cultivation. They adapt
themselves to wide range of soil and
climate. They grow on high ground
and on gravelly soils not less than by
the sides of streams, where we most COM
monty see them. They are of rapid
growth and yield large return. The
Osier-willOw is especially useful, we
know, for the manufacture of baskets,
chairs and other articles of furniture,
and we import it to the extent of $1,000
600 annually; when we might produce
it easily in almost any part of our cOun-
try. We hardly think of the willow az
timber tree or for the production of
lumber, but only as yielding cheap,
poor sort of fuel. But in England the
wood is generally priced for many pur-
poses. While it is light it is also tough !;
it does not break into slivers. Hardly
any wood is so good, therefore, for the
lining of carts and wagons used in draw
ing stOneOr other rough and heavy arti-
cles. 1t makes excellent charcoal especial
ly for the for the manufacture of gunpOw-
der. 1t bears exposure to the weather,
and boards made of it are very servicea-
BILE for fences. Some species of it are
admirable for use as live fence or hedge.
On account of its comparative incOmbus-
tibility, the willow is eminently useful
for the floors of buildings designed to be
fire-prOOf. 1t grows to large size and
furnishes great amount of lumber.
There is a white willow growing at
StOckbridge, Mass, which at four feet
from the ground measures % feet in cir
conference, and extends its branches
GO feet in every direction. Tradition
says it was brought from Connecticut in
1907 by traveller, who used it as rid
ing switch. The Hon. Jesse w. Fell, in
giving an account of experiments in
tree planting on an extensive scale in
Illinois, says: "Were l called upon to
designate one tree, which, more that all
others, would recommend for general
planting, would say unhesitatingly it
should be the white willow Prof.
Brewer says I'm England, where it is
so often GO to 20 feet high in 20 years,
there is no wood in greater demand than
good willow. 1t is light, very tough,
soft, takes good finish, will bear more
pounding and knocks than any other
wood grown there, and hence is used for
cricket bats, for floats to paddle-wheels
Of steamers and break-blOcks on cars.
1t is used extensively for turning, plank
ing cOasting vessels, furniture, Ox-yOkes.
wooden legs, shoe lasts, ETC." Fuller
says: "It groweth incredibly fast-it
being by-word that the profit by will
lows will buy the owners horse before
that by other trees will pay for saddle
The basket willow, we'll cultivated, will
yield a net income of $3.50 year to the
acre. On the whole, therefore, 1t would
seem that the various kinds Of willow
the economic value of which has been
hitherto entirely overlooked in our coun-
try, are eminently deserving of atten-
ton, and will amply reward those who
cultivate them.-POpular Science Month.
ly.
The Hillsdale crew are in training fol-
their race with the Thames Rowing
Club on Sept. IA, and will start home
ward one week after the contest.
BY the use magnetic rod, mine 10.