186 Walnuts direct from the Tree. 



Dusky Blenheim oranges, with a gleam of gold 

 under the rind ; a warmer tint of yellow on the 

 pippins. Here streaks of red, here a tawny hue. 

 Yonder a load of great russets ; near by heavy pears 

 bending the strong branches ; round black damsons ; 

 luscious egg-plums hanging their yellow ovals over- 

 head ; bullace, not yet ripe, but presently sweetly 

 piquant. On the walnut trees bunches of round 

 green balls note those that show a dark spot or 

 streak, and gently tap them with the tip of the tall 

 slender pole placed there for the purpose. Down 

 they come glancing from bough to bough, and, strik- 

 ing the hard turf, the thick green rind splits asunder, 

 and the walnut itself rebounds upwards. Those who 

 buy walnuts have no idea of the fine taste of the fruit 

 thus gathered direct from the tree, when the kernel, 

 though so curiously convoluted, slips its pale yellow 

 skin easily and is so wondrously white. Surely it is 

 an error to banish the orchard and the fruit garden 

 from the pleasure-grounds of modern houses, strictly 

 relegating them to the rear, as if something to be 

 ashamed of. 



