266 CHAPTER XXXVL 



multiply quite unproductive trees for shade alone 

 cannot be right. Is there no tree which affords both 

 shade and fruit ? The Walnut (Juglans) is a good-sized 

 tree : the wood is valuable for cabinet work, and w r e 

 make gun stocks of it. Now, it is clear that all things 

 which help human beings to destroy each other must 

 be of the utmost importance. There is a great 

 demand just now for Walnut wood. The French 

 complained lately that the German government had 

 bought up all the Walnut wood in France. The 

 leaves are said to have the valuable property of 

 keeping off flies, and the shade appears to be excel- 

 lent. But no one out here will rest under a Walnut 

 tree. It is the universal opinion in this part of the 

 world that you will take harm if you do so. I am 

 not one of those who hasten to make light of these 

 popular ideas. If the balsamic odour of the Pine 

 Forest is invigorating and refreshing, why should 

 not the exhalations of some trees have a contrary 

 effect ? This is a point which might well occupy 

 the attention of scientific men. 



To Dellius, needing rest from war and politics, 

 the poet recommends a quiet lounge 



" Where the huge Pine and Poplar silver-lined 

 With branches interlaced have made 

 A hospitable shade." 



And Horace is right : the Abele (Populus Alba) 

 gives an admirable shade, and is altogether preferable 

 to the bark-casting Plane. By the Var and also at 

 the mouth of the Loup there are some noble trees 

 of this species, whose height is given in the text 

 books as double that of the Oak. 



Tityrus, as every schoolboy knows, reclined in 



