104 



HICKORY. 



HISTORY AND USES. 



The Hickory is closely allied to the Walnut, both being formerly 

 classed as one genus, but by modern botanists they have been separated. 

 Botanically the genus is known as C<iry, the ancient Greek name for 

 the Walnut. There are a number of species, all of them being natives of 

 North America, where they are widely distributed. In America several 

 species are highly valued for their nuts, which are extensively used in a 

 fresh state, and also utilized for oil, of which their kernels contain a large 

 proportion. All the species yield valuable timber, which is useful for a 

 variety of purposes, and is extensively used in America. The trees are 

 hardy, will adapt themselves to various local conditions, and most of the 

 species will thrive where the Walnut succeeds. Being compact in habit 

 and ornamental, the Hickories would probably prove effective and useful 

 for landscape planting or as street trees in some localities. Though at 

 present the family is scarcely known in Australasia, it is worthy of 

 attention from cultivators. All the species require precisely the same 

 treatment in cultivation as the Walnut, and are propagated in a similar 

 manner. For full details refer to article on the Walnut. 



SPECIES. 



The following list comprises the principal species ; 



Carya alba (Shelbark Hickory), This species was formerly known 

 as Juglans alba, or the White Walnut, and is one of the most useful 

 of the family. The trees are strong, shapely, attain a height of eighty or 

 ninety feet, and yield in great abundance the most popular kind of 

 Hickory nuts. These nuts are not quite so large as English Walnuts, are 

 lighter in colour, have smoother shells, and yield a larger proportion of 

 oil. The wood, which is somewhat similar to English ash in appearance, 

 is very tough and elastic, and suitable for a variety of purposes. In 

 America it is extensively used by agricultural implement makers, by 

 coachbuilders for poles and shafts of carriages, for hoops, and a number 

 of other purposes where wood is required to withstand severe and sudden 

 strains. 



Carya amara (Bitter Nut or Swamp Hickory). This species grows 

 in low moist ground, and has a very bitter taste, hence its common names. 

 The nuts are small and covered with thin white shells, which are 

 readily broken between the fingers, They are produced in great abun- 

 dance, but are of no value except for oil and feeding pigs. The tree 

 grows seventy or eighty feet high, and the wood is of fair quality and 

 may be utilized for several purposes, but is inferior to that produced by 

 many of the other species. 



Car i/a aquatica (Water Bitter Nut). This is a low-growing tree 

 which flourishes in swamps, where the other kinds will not exist. It 

 produces freely small, reddish, thin-shelled nuts, which are intensely 



