1524

ARBORETUM AND FRUTICETUM.

PART III.

wm

all comparison with that of the common white willow, and even ex-ceeding that of S. Russellmza (No. 24. in p. 1517.). The wood andbark are at least equal in quality to those of S. alba. The foliageis distinguished by its great luxuriance, more azure hue, and thealmost entire want of the hairs from the under side of the adultleaves. Mr. Crowe thought the stipules might afford distinctions,but we find them too variable.” ( Sm. in Rees's Cyclo., vol. xxxi. No.140.) Mr. Forbes says : “ Although this plant has been reunitedwith S. alba, it appears to me to be sufficiently distinct, and to berecommended for the quickness of its growth ; the leaves are, also,much larger than the last when cut down, and, as well as the twigs,are of a darker hue.” In the parish of Waterbeach, Cambridgeshire,there are numerous trees of S. filba, the vigorous shoots and branchesof which, and especially those of pollard trees, have red bark, which,when the trees are leafless in winter, are very conspicuous. This