Forest Trees and Shrubs of Meriden, Conn. 55 



not strong, rather coarse-grained, compact, easily worked, satiny, 

 susceptible of a beautiful polish. Largely used for interior finish, 

 cabinet work, etc. The bark as well as the husks of the fruit is 

 aometimes used as a dye. The inner bark, especially that of the 

 root is employed medicinally as a mild cathartic. Specific gravity, 

 0.4086 ; ash, 0.51. 



29. JUGLANS NIGRA. (Linn.) 



Black Walnut. 



This beautiful tree is becoming very scarce in Meriden. It 

 grows from forty to eighty feet high, and from four to six feet in 

 diameter, and is of rapid growth. When prevalent, is a pretty sure 

 indication of a fertile soil. Wood of a dark, rich brown color, 

 rather hard and firm, but susceptible of a high polish, rather close- 

 grained, liable to check if not carefully seasoned, easily worked. 

 Probably more extensively employed for cabinet work, gun stocks, 

 interior finish, than any other native wood. Specific gravity, 

 0.61 15 ; ash, 0.79. 



30. CARYA ALBA. (,Nuttam,.> 



Shell-bark Hickory. Shag-bark Hickory. 



A large tree, often eighty feet high, and stem two to three feet 

 in diameter. I think there are some varieties of this tree with nuts 

 of a thicker shell, and the kernal of inferior quality, resembling 

 the C. suclata, found in the west. A noble and valuable forest 

 tree. Wood heavy, very hard and strong, tough, close-grained, 

 flexible, and largely used in the manufacture of agricultural imple- 

 ments, carriages, axe handles, baskets, etc. Specific gravity, 

 0.8372 ; ash, 0.73. 



31. CARYA TOMENTOSA. (Nut.^ll.) 



Mockernut. Black Hickory. Bull-nut. Big-bud Hick- 

 ory. White-Heart Hickory. King-nut. 



A very tall but slender tree, sixty to eighty feet or more in height. 

 The bark with the fibers interlocked and not exfoliating. Is con- 

 sidered the best of the Hickories for fuel. Wood heavy, very 

 hard, strong, tough, very close-grained, checking in drying, flexi- 

 ble. Isbestcut in the month of August. Specific gravity, 0.8216 ; 

 ash, 0.06. 



