46 CONVERSATIONS ON THE 



nut oil is most used ; for the preparation of 

 fine paints and colours, and of the ink used 

 by engravers ; it is the best oil in the world 

 for these purposes." 



"Well, I did not know walnuts were good 

 for any thing but to eat ; it is almost a pity to 

 waste them in that way, since they can be 

 made so much more useful. Is it good for 

 any thing else, Uncle Philip ?" 



"Yes, they make a very good medicine 

 from the unripe nuts ; and the husk, when 

 it is boiled, gives a good brown for dying 

 woollen cloths." 



" Uncle Philip, why is the black walnut 

 called so ? The bark is not blacker than a 

 great many other trees, and the leaves are 

 quite green." 



" The name comes from the wood ; when 

 the tree is fresh cut, the heart is of a violet 

 colour, but after it has been exposed to the air 

 for some time it turns very black." 



" You said that the wood is better than the 

 English walnut ; what do they do with it?" 



" Why a great many things, boys, just as they 

 do with the wood of the oak. It keeps sound a 

 long time ; it is hard, and strong, and tough, and 

 is very unapt to split or warp ; moreover it 



