OUR TREES.-No. X.

THE WHITE WILLOW-Salix alba.

We have given the white willow a place amongst "Our Trees," simply for the sake of a venerable individual of this species growing within the purlieus of our cathedral. This tree is represented in the accompanying etching. As will be seen, it is one of those picturesque objects which has been many years in existence; and we have no doubt it is well known to the most of our citizens. Indeed, we fancy that few could help turning aside to look upon this beautiful ruin, blending, as it almost does, with a remnant of architecture equally ancient and interesting. The spot where it grows is called Sandlin's Ferry, situated at the bottom of the Lower Close, and is in every respect highly favourable to all the willow tribe, which delight in rising near to water.

Strange though it may appear, we think it probable that in the east of England few people have seen a full-grown willow-tree. It is generally so pollarded and metamorphosed, that the form and expression of the natural object cannot be recognized. This specimen, so far, forms an exception; for, although it must be reckoned as a pollard, it has been topped either by time or the tempest, and at a much greater altitude than those which are so universally disfigured by the axe. Its height is now forty-five feet, and the circumference of its trunk at the surface of the soil is eighteen feet and six inches.

We confess we care little about the species in general: though represented by some writers as a tree which few can come into competition with, the purposes to which its

timber is applicable are very trifling. As a landscape ornament, it is, as Gilpin justly observes, "beautiful, and fit to appear in the decoration of any rural scene, having a narrow leaf with a pleasant sea-green tint, which mixes agreeably with foliage of a deeper hue." We observed a variety of it (Salix a. cærulea) growing around the lake at Felthorpe park, which fully establishes its claim to a place in the most polished landscape.

This species of tree becomes useful on account of the readiness with which it grows in low swampy soil, and in fringing lakes and rivers, where the poplar and other trees of a tapering figure, though adapted to wet places, are yet never introduced. The triumphs which it achieves over what is generally termed bog land, are, we believe, accomplished by no other ligneous object—a feature in its character which, after all, places it very high. It is to be recommended, too, on account of the rapidity of its growth, being a tree which late planters may use, with considerable advantage, in casting a show of antiquity around their dwellings.

It must not be forgotten that in old age this willow becomes in a certain degree picturesque and striking. Though in this respect far inferior to the oak and chestnut, we should be inclined to place it before the ash and poplar and all its own brethren.

To us, the most important respect in which this tree can. be considered, is in a Salictum, that is, associated along with the other species of the genera. The flowers of all the willows are curious, and to a certain degree odoriferous: they blossom at a season when tree-flowers are scarce, and are the first objects which bring bees abroad, a circumstance which is particularly enlivening after the dismal days of winter.