220 LANDSCAPE GARDENING. 



not exceeding the Black walnut in size, yet contains a 

 much larger kernel, which is generally considered more 

 delicate in flavor. In the interior of France orchards of 

 the walnut are planted, and a considerable commerce is 

 carried on in its products, consisting chiefly of the fruit, of 

 which large quantities are consumed in all parts of Europe. 

 The wood is greatly used in the manufacture of gun-stocks, 

 and in cabinet-making (though it is much inferior to the 

 American walnut for this purpose) ; and the oil extracted 

 from the kernel is in high estimation for mixing with deli- 

 cate colors used in painting and other purposes. 



The European walnut is a noble tree in size, and thickly 

 clad in foliage. It is much esteemed as a shade tree by the 

 Dutch ; and Evelyn, who is an enthusiastic admirer of its 

 beauties, mentions their fondness for this tree as in the high- 

 est degree praiseworthy. " The Be7'gstras [Bergstrasse'], 

 which extends from Heidelberg to Darmstadt, is all planted 

 with walnuts ; for as by an ancient law the Borderers were 

 obliged to nurse up and take care of them, and that chiefly 

 for their ornament and shade, so as a man may ride for 

 many miles about that country under a continual arbor or 

 close walk, — the traveller both refreshed with the fruit and 

 shade. How much such public plantations improve the 

 glory and wealth of a nation ! In several places betwixt 

 Hanau and Frankfort in Germany, no young farmer is 

 permitted to marry a wife till he bring proof that he hath 

 planted, and is the father of a stated number of walnut 

 trees."* 



The nuts are imported into this country in great 



» Hunter's Evelyn, p. 168. 



