180 SYLVA AMERICANA. 



wherever it abounds. By selecting pieces from the upper part 

 of the trunk, immediately below the first ramification, furniture 

 is sometimes made, which from the accidental curlings of the 

 grain is highly beautiful : but as its color soon changes to a dusky 

 hue the wild cherry wood is frequently preferred . for this use. 

 The black walnut is also employed for the stocks of military 

 muskets ; it is stronger and tougher than the red-flowering maple, 

 which, from its superior lightness and elegance, is chosen for 

 fowling pieces. In Virginia posts are very commonly made of 

 this wood, and as it lasts undecayed in the ground from twenty 

 to twenty-five years, it appears every way fit for this purpose. 

 It also makes excellent naves for wheels, which farther proves its 

 strength and durability. The timber of this tree is also excellently 

 adapted to certain uses in naval architecture. It should never 

 be wrought till it is perfectly seasoned, after which it is asserted 

 to be more durable, though more brittle than the white oak. It 

 is asserted that this wood, like the live oak, is not liable to be 

 attacked by sea worms in warm climates. The husk of the 

 fruit yields a color similar to that which is obtained from the 

 European walnut. It is used in the country for dyeing woollen 

 stuffs. 



