Thoroughly drain the ground first, then steam-plough or trench the soil to a depth of about 18 in., removing carefully all weeds, particularly such troublesome kinds as the bindweed, couch grass and dock. It is always preferable to take a crop of potatoes first from the land intended to be laid down for osier culture, as it not only sweetens and enriches the soil, but allows of the eradication of all obnoxious weeds. Where, however, it is not practicable to crop the land first with potatoes, the soil should be well and roughly broken up and left so for a year, or for a winter, at least, before being planted with the osiers. The best time to plant is from October to the middle of March. The sets, or cuttings, should be about 15 in. long, and formed of well-ripened rods, of one year’s growth, and the straightest and cleanest portion of the rod only used. Three or four buds should, if possible, be on the top end of each set. In planting, insert the cuttings from 9 to 12 in. into the ground, leaving 3 in. above soil, which forms the stool that bears the future crops. It is well to exercise great caution while inserting the cuttings, as, if the work has been delayed till the sap is rising, the bark readily strips away from the wood, and this is very objectionable, as the plants in such a state usually die. The sets may be placed about 15 in. apart, and the rows, which, for convenience, should be lined off straight, about 30 in. from each other. Of course, as regards distances, these will depend to a great extent on the quality of the soil and the particular kind of willow being planted, but the above are good average distances. For basket-making, etc., the best kinds of osiers to use are _Salix triandra_ and _S. viminalis_, but there are others. A good basket-willow, be it of whatever kind, should, when green, twist from end to end without breaking. It is well to bear in mind that, in order to obtain the greatest profits from willow culture, only the very best kinds should be planted—indeed, next to preparing the ground, a judicious selection should be one of the main considerations. For the first year, at least, after being formed, osier beds must be carefully attended to in the way of cleaning and weeding. Hoeing will be found the most convenient method of getting rid of weeds, but, in the case of bindweed, hand-picking around and amongst the sets will be found necessary.