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bark of this tree contains the tanning principle in a superior degree to thatof the oak ; and it is supposed that the medical properties stated to belongto S. fragilis are attributed to it by mistake, and should be referred to S.Russellmwa. ( Hook. Brit. Fk>r., p.41.5., with additions.) The bark, accordingto Sir J. E. Smith, has been found useful as a substitute for cinchona inagues. (Eng. FI., vol. iv. p. 187.) This species is as readily propagated bycuttings or truncheons as any other; and, though it thrives best in goodsoil near water, it attains a considerable size in uplands.
Varieties. Many forms intermediate between S. fragilis and S. Russellian»are extant, which seem to me to be hybrids. (Koch.) It should be re-membered that Koch has included in his idea of S. fragilis the S. decipiensof the English botanists, and, perhaps, other exotic forms as dissimilar asthis is.
Statistics. In the environs of London, atSyon, there is a tree of S. Russellian# 89 ft. high j thediameter of the trunk 4 ft. 4 in., and of the head 65 ft.: at Ham House, there is a tree 63 ft. high ; thediameter of the trunk 32 ft., and of the head 59 ft. In Staffordshire, by the side of the road leadingfrom Lichfield to Stow, on the spot on which Johnson’s Willow stood, a cutting of the old tree wasplanted in 1830, which, in May, 1836, was 20 ft. high, and in a most vigorous state of growth. InScotland, in Stirlingshire, at Callender Park, 60 ft. high; the diameter of the trunk 3 ft.8 in., and that ofthe head 70 ft. : a tree, at Gordon Castle, at the age of 61 years, was 57 ft. high, and above 11 ft. inits greatest circumference. This tree, it is stated in the Salictum Wobumense , was blown down in astorm, on the 24th of November, 1826. In Ireland, at Terenure, near Dublin, 15 years planted, it is25 ft high ; in the Cullenswood Nursery, there is a tree, which is said to be this species, 90 ft. high,which, according to the Return Paper sent us, has not yet been 30 years planted.
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