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49
soil was placed by Messrs. Veitch under artificial means, with several
varieties of willow cuttings, with the result that after the lapse of a
month a communication was received stating that a sample of willow
cuttings had been sent (these were duly received) which had just
begun to take root in the soil, and which showed well for their being
a success, and there seemed nothing poisonous in the soil for willow
growing. Upon hearing this I wrote to Mr. Duckham, and pending
the bringing of this matter before the directors, I suggested that the
disinfectants should be discontinued. Messrs. Veitch were again communicated
with, and the reply is as follows:—
"For supplying and planting 10,000 willow plants at three feet
apart each way on two acres of land at the Isle of Dogs will cost the
sum of forty pounds (£40).
"It will be absolutely necessary for us to have skilled labour at the
price quoted, so fear we shall not be able to use local labour.
"We recommend that the plants be grown on until the autumn
and then cut back, and the sets or cuttings put in to thicken up the
rows to a foot and a half.
"Should it be decided to carry out the planting this season, we
should be glad to receive instructions as soon as possible, as the work
should be put in hand without delay, and we are holding the plants
with that view.
"Sir Thomas Crawford has pointed out that the planting of osiers
on a large scale in North Western India had assisted to stamp out
malaria in a notoriously unhealthy valley covered with stagnant pools,
and the system had proved remarkably conducive to public health.
From a business point of view the Directors must well know that
hampers, baskets, and all kinds of wicker ware are constantly called
for, and there is a brisk demand for willow cuttings, and consequently
foreign made articles are imported, so that if they adopt the idea they
will not only improve their finances but save the expense of using
D