placed farther apart than is the case with the true cricket bat willow, _S. cærulea_. The great importance of recognizing and growing for purely economic purposes the true variety will be apparent when it is mentioned that makers of cricket bats will have nothing to do with any but the true “close-barked” tree, and the English bat-maker is keen to recognize the characteristics of the timber he requires, and will not stick at paying exorbitant prices for trees of the right kind. As showing the value in England of the timber of the true bat-making willow, it might be mentioned that in many instances that have come under my notice as much as 16_s._ per cubit ft., or six times the price of the best oak, has been paid for trees of the true _S. cærulea_. A single tree growing in London lately sold at £10, and in Hertfordshire eleven trees fetched the handsome sum of £81, while £20 was refused for four trees growing in a wood in Essex. Such prices are, however, exceptional, though on a visit to two of the largest bat-making establishments in the metropolis I was told that for several years past the average price paid for willow worked out at 6_s._ per cubit foot. A well-known grower tells us that if planted in suitable soil a “set” or cutting, which usually costs 1_s._ 6_d._, will in fifteen years be worth about £6. The home of the true bat-making willow is in the Eastern English counties, and it is there that the manufacturer goes when wishing to purchase the most valuable timber for his special work. The propagation of the bat-making willow is simple, either by rooted cuttings or “sets,” the latter being the best and cheapest method. “Sets” are usually from 12 to 20 ft. long, with a basal diameter of, say, 3 ins., the best being got from pollarded trees, and straight, clean, branchless shoots are preferable. They should be stripped of all side branches for about three-fourths of their length and only cut in spring. By placing these sets together in a ditch or pond for about a month rootlets will be emitted, when they may be planted in previously prepared holes, which are formed by driving an iron rod or stake in the ground for a distance of, say, 2½ ft. The =Poplar=.—Several species of poplar are valuable for the timber they produce, as also for their rapidity of growth and succeeding in low-lying, damp ground. When clean grown and of large size the timber sells readily at prices which vary from 1_s_. to 1_s_. 6_d_. per ft. Probably the most valuable species is the white poplar (_Populus alba_), though the black Italian (_P. monilifera_) produces excellent timber for which there is generally a demand.