The Idaho Republican. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1904-1932, 1915-02-26

planted closely. Produces rod TO
to seven feet high and yields from
six to eight tons of green material
per acre. Requires moist, we'll
drained soil, is relatively short-lived
but is almost entirely imune from
insect or gungous troubles. 1t is
easily peeled.
Other Willows
There are several other basket will
lows found in the United States, but
none of them are grown to any ex-
tent. The Aberican willow, slend-
er variety of the American Green,
is perhaps worthy of cultivation, as
is also the Caspian willow. Other
willows, such as the different varie-
ties of the White Osler and the
Black Osier, have been found to be
worthless in eastern and central
United States. They may be adapt
able to the Pacific coast where the
climate is more like that of west
ern Europe.
How to Secure Cuttings
If only small number of cuttings
600 to 20O) are desired for expert
mental purposes, they may at present
be secured from the forest service if
application is made before the middle
of March. For larger quantities it
will be necessary to obtain them from
willow dealers, a list of whom is
furnished by the service. In pur-
chasing stock it is desirable to make
arrangements for cuttings IN the
fall, ascertaining by inspection, if
possible, the quality of stock. Cut
tings properly amde in mid-winter
and carefully stored will grow better
than cuttings made in the spring.
uCttings should be at least a foot
long and from vigorous one or two
year old Ehoots.
Storage and Care of Cuttings
Cuttings should be made with
smooth straight cut and tied in con-
venient bundles. If they are not to
be planted at once they should be
placed in moist sand, or soil, in an
upright position and covered over
completely. The sand should be kept
moist, but not wet, at all times. The
temperature should be kept at from
IS to As degrees F., if possible. Cut
tings treated in this manner will cal
lous at the ends in from one to two
months. depending on the tempera-
ture. In shipping cuttings long dis
tances they should be packed in
damp sphagnum moss or sawdust.
For shorter distances any packing
that prevents the circulation of air
is sufficient. Cuttings should be
shipped before the beginning of hot
weather.
Preparation of Land
Land OF a willow holt should be
cleared of all trees, brush and weeds.
The soil should be thoroughly plow-
ed and all roots removed Since
willow holt cannot be deeply cult
waited or the soil again loosened after
planting, it is important that 1t re-
ceive the proper attention before the
holt Is established. It is not a good
practice to- plant willows on new
land as the roots and seed of the
former plants will greatly increase
the cost of the subsequent care of
the holt. New land intended for
willow holt should be planted to some
other crop for at least a year, IL
possible.
Planting of Cuttings
Cuttings should be planted six
inches apart in rows 80 inches apart
II they are to be horse cultivated,
and six to 20 inches If they are to
be hand cultivated. The closer plant
ing is more desirable except on the
poorest soils, as 1t checks the growth
of weeds and results in production
of straighter and less branchy rods.
A string may be used to mark the