The use of willow trees to stop erosion and to add beauty to the river banks was well established in Victoria by the 1850s (1)
Willows on the Yarra, 1860.
Photographer: Charles Nettleton. State Library of Victoria image H6299.
The National Library of Australia has this same image dated as 1878.
During the 1890s this practice was promoted by Baron Ferdinand von Mueller, botanist and the director of the Melbourne Botanical Garden; the Department of Agriculture; William Davidson, Inspector General of Public Works, and Carlo Catani. This post looks at some examples of Carlo's recommendation of the use of the willow tree.
Snowy RiverThis report of the Tambo Shire Council meeting from August 1891 relates to the Snowy River and Baron von Mueller's advice -
From Baron Ferd. von Mueller - Forwarding copy of his work on select plants for industrial culture, with a view to guiding the Council in selecting willows, etc., for the protection of the river banks; also enclosing seeds of American pines. - Received.
From the Department of Agriculture - That sufficient for 1000 cuttings of the golden basket willow had been forwarded to the Council. - The engineer to distribute same to the best advantage. (2)
Carlo also offered advice to the Tambo Shire in 1891, regarding willows -
Sale Canal
In 1896, Mr Davidson gave this advice regarding the Sale Canal (4) - As to the erosion of the banks he suggested the planting of blackberry bushes, which would grow quickly, and would hold the ground together just as well as willows or other plants more difficult to cultivate. (5)
Yarra River
Footnotes
(1) The Argus, January 12, 1859, see here; The Argus, January 26, 1859, see here.
(2) Snowy River Mail, August 22, 1891, see here.
(3) Snowy River Mail, August 1, 1891, see here.
(4) Sale Canal - I have written about this here https://carlocatani.blogspot.com/2019/01/carlo-and-sale-canal.html
(5) Gippsland Times, January 13, 1896, see here.
(6) Gippsland Times, May 9, 1912, see here.
(7) Gippsland Times, January 23, 1913, see here.
(8) Gippsland Mercury, April 10, 1914, see here.
(9) Bairnsdale Advertiser, January 29, 1926, see here.
(10) Gippsland Times, January 13, 1898, see here.
Snowy River bridge - Mr. Catani stated that he would recommend the Department to plant the yellow basket willow along the banks, and also in the drains leading from the flats into the river, and gave some very interesting information as to the important results that had been achieved in Italy by this means. (3)
Sale Canal
In 1896, Mr Davidson gave this advice regarding the Sale Canal (4) - As to the erosion of the banks he suggested the planting of blackberry bushes, which would grow quickly, and would hold the ground together just as well as willows or other plants more difficult to cultivate. (5)
In 1912, Carlo provided advice to the Sale Borough Council - Willow Planting. The chairman of the Parks and Garden Committee (Cr. Walden) reported that at a meeting of the committee it was arranged to engage the willow planting expert (T. Ambrose) recommended by Mr. Catani at £1 per day to plant willows on the banks of the canal and river to prevent erosion. - The report was adopted.
Mr. Ambrose was present and stated he believed he could make a good job of it. He wanted some good thick willows. - To be obtained. (6)
As Mr. Catani desired the canal reserve works to be made official, a letter was sent by Mr. Holt in regard to the willow planting. The most favourable time to plant willows is, unfortunately, during the months of of May, June, and July, when the waters in the canal are usually too high for the best results - a seeming contradiction that the council will readily understand. (8)
In January 1926 we learn more of Carlo's willows and the esteem in which he was held -
Recently the Sale Advancement League arranged with the Town Council for provision to be made for tourists of a camping ground on the reserve at the rowing sheds. The league erected open fire places and provided water and sanitary conveniences. At the recent council meeting the Mayor (Cr. T. M. Cullinan) reported that some tourists had been chopping the willow trees that were growing on the river banks in the reserve, which, he said, was a scandalous thing. It was on the suggestion of the late Mr. Catani that the willow trees and couch grass were planted on the river bank to prevent erosion. For sentimental reasons the vandalism was to be deplored for Mr. Catani was the greatest man the Public Works department ever had. It had been demonstrated that erosion of river banks could be combated. He was sorry that anyone could commit such an act of vandalism. The Advancement League undertook to supervise the reserve, and he hoped they would do so. A further inspection made of the locality has revealed the fact that the trees referred to had died months ago through having been too severely cut back at the wrong season of the year. (9)
Avon River
In 1898 - Mr Catani, one of the chief engineers from the Public Work's Department, visited Stratford on the 11th December, and made a thorough inspection with me of the Avon River bridge at Stratford, and the flood damage done to the banks of the river, etc. Mr Catani recommends willow planting, to commence at a point opposite Mr O'Connor's western boundary. (10)
In 1902 - Tatura - Mr. Catani, of the Public Works department, strongly recommends the planting of white willows along the levee embankment of the Goulburn, as it would protect the banks, and other good results will follow. (13)
Creswick Creek, Clunes
In 1916, from the Clunes Borough Council, the Shire Engineer reported on flood damage to the Creswick Creek - Since your last meeting I proceeded to Melbourne, in accordance with your instructions, chiefly to ascertain if the Public Works department would agree to have the plans, etc., for the creek damage repairs so altered as to allow of substituting concrete for the proposed sheet piling on this side of the creek, and breakwaters of rough rock on the frontage of Victoria Park instead of the sheet piling proposed there. With the kind assistance of your member (Sir A. J. Peacock) I was enable to discuss fully with the Under-Secretary (Mr Drake) and Mr Engineer Catani the necessity for the alteration above mentioned, and found that this was readily agreed to, with the recommendation from Mr Catani that basket willows should be extensively planted along all parts of the banks where erosion is threatening. This, in any case, I meant to urge upon you when the planting season was about to open, as willow roots are admitted to be amongst the very best means of protection in the banks of a watercourse. (14)
Mr. Ambrose was present and stated he believed he could make a good job of it. He wanted some good thick willows. - To be obtained. (6)
In January 1913 - The Sale Town Clerk reported verbally the results of interviews he had with various departments when on leave in Melbourne. Mr. Catani was pleased to learn that the willows were succeeding along the canal banks and said the sheet piling work would be attended to before long. (7)
In April 1914 a report from the Sale Council meeting - From Public Works Department, stating that council could make its own arrangements as to person employed to plant willows on banks of canal. - Received.As Mr. Catani desired the canal reserve works to be made official, a letter was sent by Mr. Holt in regard to the willow planting. The most favourable time to plant willows is, unfortunately, during the months of of May, June, and July, when the waters in the canal are usually too high for the best results - a seeming contradiction that the council will readily understand. (8)
In January 1926 we learn more of Carlo's willows and the esteem in which he was held -
Recently the Sale Advancement League arranged with the Town Council for provision to be made for tourists of a camping ground on the reserve at the rowing sheds. The league erected open fire places and provided water and sanitary conveniences. At the recent council meeting the Mayor (Cr. T. M. Cullinan) reported that some tourists had been chopping the willow trees that were growing on the river banks in the reserve, which, he said, was a scandalous thing. It was on the suggestion of the late Mr. Catani that the willow trees and couch grass were planted on the river bank to prevent erosion. For sentimental reasons the vandalism was to be deplored for Mr. Catani was the greatest man the Public Works department ever had. It had been demonstrated that erosion of river banks could be combated. He was sorry that anyone could commit such an act of vandalism. The Advancement League undertook to supervise the reserve, and he hoped they would do so. A further inspection made of the locality has revealed the fact that the trees referred to had died months ago through having been too severely cut back at the wrong season of the year. (9)
Avon River
In 1898 - Mr Catani, one of the chief engineers from the Public Work's Department, visited Stratford on the 11th December, and made a thorough inspection with me of the Avon River bridge at Stratford, and the flood damage done to the banks of the river, etc. Mr Catani recommends willow planting, to commence at a point opposite Mr O'Connor's western boundary. (10)
In 1902 - On the recommendation of Mr. Catani, of the Public Works department, 400 cuttings of white willow have been forwarded to the Avon Council by the curator of the Botanical gardens and have been planted, under the supervision of Mr. A. L. Johnson, shire engineer, in the soft banks of the Avon River, near the town in the belief that they will bind the sandy soil together, and so arrest the erosion of the banks, which occurs after every flood. (11)
In 1914 - The steel piling at Stratford was inspected by Mr Catani. He strongly advocates the continuous planting of the white willow (salix alba) and the trial of bags of wire netting filled with heavy stones. A proposal to construct a groyne to support the weak bulge at the north end of the high street piling and divert the stream was made by Mr Catani. (12)
Goulburn RiverIn 1902 - Tatura - Mr. Catani, of the Public Works department, strongly recommends the planting of white willows along the levee embankment of the Goulburn, as it would protect the banks, and other good results will follow. (13)
Creswick Creek, Clunes
In 1916, from the Clunes Borough Council, the Shire Engineer reported on flood damage to the Creswick Creek - Since your last meeting I proceeded to Melbourne, in accordance with your instructions, chiefly to ascertain if the Public Works department would agree to have the plans, etc., for the creek damage repairs so altered as to allow of substituting concrete for the proposed sheet piling on this side of the creek, and breakwaters of rough rock on the frontage of Victoria Park instead of the sheet piling proposed there. With the kind assistance of your member (Sir A. J. Peacock) I was enable to discuss fully with the Under-Secretary (Mr Drake) and Mr Engineer Catani the necessity for the alteration above mentioned, and found that this was readily agreed to, with the recommendation from Mr Catani that basket willows should be extensively planted along all parts of the banks where erosion is threatening. This, in any case, I meant to urge upon you when the planting season was about to open, as willow roots are admitted to be amongst the very best means of protection in the banks of a watercourse. (14)
Fyans Creek, Halls Gap
In 1916 - In connection with the recent deputation from the Borough of Stawell, Shire of Stawell, and Shire of Ararat to the Minister of Public Works, regarding assistance to repair the damage done to Delly's [Delley's] Bridge, Hall's Gap, by the recent floods, a letter was received by the Shire of Ararat, at its meeting held last week, from the Department of Public Works. The letter was as follows:-"With reference to representations made to the Minister of Public Works by the Hon. J. D. Brown, M.L.C., in regard to the above matter, I am directed to inform you that, as promised, the chief Engineer of Public Works made an inspection on 28th ult. in company with councillors of the riding, the shire and borough of Stawell, and their own engineer and borough overseer. Mr. Catani has now furnished a report in connection with his inspection, and suggests that the following works be carried out......5. The west bank on both sides of the bridge 5 chains north and 10 chains south of new abutment to be planted with osier willows on the water's edge, and 10ft. to 15ft. into the river bed, and white willows immediately behind, so as to protect the bank from erosion. The new plantation to be protected in its turn at intervals with dry stone, fascine and stone walls, and with wire netting to guard the new plantation from rabbits. (15)
In 1916 - In connection with the recent deputation from the Borough of Stawell, Shire of Stawell, and Shire of Ararat to the Minister of Public Works, regarding assistance to repair the damage done to Delly's [Delley's] Bridge, Hall's Gap, by the recent floods, a letter was received by the Shire of Ararat, at its meeting held last week, from the Department of Public Works. The letter was as follows:-"With reference to representations made to the Minister of Public Works by the Hon. J. D. Brown, M.L.C., in regard to the above matter, I am directed to inform you that, as promised, the chief Engineer of Public Works made an inspection on 28th ult. in company with councillors of the riding, the shire and borough of Stawell, and their own engineer and borough overseer. Mr. Catani has now furnished a report in connection with his inspection, and suggests that the following works be carried out......5. The west bank on both sides of the bridge 5 chains north and 10 chains south of new abutment to be planted with osier willows on the water's edge, and 10ft. to 15ft. into the river bed, and white willows immediately behind, so as to protect the bank from erosion. The new plantation to be protected in its turn at intervals with dry stone, fascine and stone walls, and with wire netting to guard the new plantation from rabbits. (15)
Delley's Bridge over Fyans Creek, Halls Gap
Photographer: Rose Stereograph Co. State Library of Victoria image H32492/6669
Yarra River
In 1917 - The Governor General, as is well known is an enthusiast and authority in tree planting, and walking is his favourite exercise. One of his favourite walks is along the Alexandra avenue over the Anderson street bridge and along the north side of the Yarra to to Burnley. The barrenness of the river banks does not please him, and he has expressed himself as very desirous that the tree planting should be pushed on. It was with this motive that Mr. J. M. Reed (secretary for Lands) and Mr. C. Catani (formerly chief engineer for the Public Works department) met representatives of the Richmond City Council on Wednesday on the Yarra bank at Punt road. It was agreed a beginning should be made by planting trees as far as the South Yarra railway bridge). The Richmond representatives promised to bring the matter before their council at the next meeting so that the planting can be expedited, and it is hoped that a beginning will be made within a week or two. Under the scheme consideration is given to the utility as well as to the appearance of the trees to be planted and it is anticipated that their variegated colours will form a pretty effect. The trees will be eucalyptus botryoides (Gippsland mahogany) which though it does not grow to a great height has large leaves, and is a fine shady tree; Salix vitellina (yellow willow) and Salix purpuria (purple willow) which get a good grip on the ground, and save the bank from erosion; Populus monilifera aurea (golden poplar), and Populus bollana (silver poplar). (16)
Trove List - I have created a short list of articles on Carlo Catani and his promotion of the Willow tree, access it here.
Footnotes
(1) The Argus, January 12, 1859, see here; The Argus, January 26, 1859, see here.
(2) Snowy River Mail, August 22, 1891, see here.
(3) Snowy River Mail, August 1, 1891, see here.
(4) Sale Canal - I have written about this here https://carlocatani.blogspot.com/2019/01/carlo-and-sale-canal.html
(5) Gippsland Times, January 13, 1896, see here.
(6) Gippsland Times, May 9, 1912, see here.
(7) Gippsland Times, January 23, 1913, see here.
(8) Gippsland Mercury, April 10, 1914, see here.
(9) Bairnsdale Advertiser, January 29, 1926, see here.
(10) Gippsland Times, January 13, 1898, see here.
