Cutting the osiers must be done while the crop is dormant, or not later than the middle of February, but not during frost, which will injure and kill off parts of the stool. The cutting is done by means of a rod-hook, which resembles a miniature sickle; this should always be kept sharp, so that the cuts may be made clean. Tie the rods together when dry, in bundles of three or four sizes, and either house or stack them. It should be borne in mind that rods are easily spoiled by being tied up or stacked whilst in a wet state, as they very soon become heated, which makes them brittle and utterly valueless for the purpose intended. What is known in England as “bolting” is simply taking a number of osiers, as nearly of a size as possible, and laying them on a twisted wand, at the same time keeping the butts all one way, and level, then drawing them tightly together—not, however, to such an extent as to injure the bark—with a rope and two levers, and finishing off by tying the wand. The wand should be at 14 in. from the butts. A bolt of rods should measure 40 in. round the band. In forming a willow bed, the following short rules should be observed:— 1. Willows will not succeed well in peaty, sandy, or water-logged soils; rich, well-drained loam, that can be flooded at will is the most suitable. 2. Trench or plough, and thoroughly clean or pulverize the ground before planting. 3. Plant only the best kinds, studying soil and market, and avoid a mixed crop. 4. From November to March insert the cuttings about nine inches deep, avoiding such as are bark-chafed, and tramp firmly. 5. Keep the beds clean and free from weeds. 6. Cut the crop close to the ground; pollard willows soon decay and in that state harbour injurious insects. The following estimate of the approximate cost per acre of osier culture, and the returns therefrom for the first three years will be of interest:— FIRST YEAR. £ _s._ _d._ Ploughing the ground and planting 4 10 0 Hoeing and other attention 1 5 0 15,700 willow cuttings (_Salix viminalis_) 10 0 0 Rent, rates, and 5 per cent. interest on capital 2 12 0 Harvesting 0 18 0 ———————————— £19 5 0 Yield first year 3 tons, value 9 0 0 ———————————— Loss £10 5 0 SECOND YEAR.