WALNUT TREE. 373 



of a lease or otherwise, fell before the strokes of the axe. 

 The Black Virginian Walnut, however (so called from 

 the black colour of the timber), is far superior for fur- 

 niture. 



" Had we store of this material," says Evelyn, " espe- 

 cially of the Virginian, we should find an incredible im- 

 provement in the more stable furniture of our houses. 

 In truth, were this timber in greater plenty among us, 

 we should have far better utensils of all sorts for our 

 houses, as chairs, stools, bedsteads, tables, wainscots, 

 cabinets, &c. instead of the vulgar beech, subject to the 

 worm, weak, and unsightly. 11 



The shade of the Walnut tree was held by the Romans 

 to be particularly unwholesome. The Black Walnut 

 will not let any thing grow under it ; and if planted in 

 an orchard, will kill all the apple trees in its neighbour- 

 hood ; but the common walnut is more hospitable, and 

 will grow innocently in the midst of corn without hurting 

 the crop. So Evelyn affirms ; but Philips does not give 

 it so good a character : 



" Or Walnut, whose malignant touch impairs 

 All generous fruits." 



The Romans esteemed the wood of the Walnut tree 

 as highly as Evelyn himself could wish. He tells us that 

 he learns from Strabo that tables of it were once even 

 of higher price than those of citron ; and that he had seen 

 some planks of it, than which nothing could be more 

 beautiful. It is famed no less for its soundness than the 

 beauty of its grain. 



Fairfax speaks of 



" The barren platane, and the Walnut sound*." 



Fairfax'* Tasso, book 3. st. T8. 



