427 



in Kugland, not only for its fruit and timber, but also for its supposed? 

 medicinal value. The bark was generally used as an emetic, either in a 

 given or dried state, and the unripe fruit was considered to be an 

 invaluable remedy in cases of worms, and to prevent infection from 

 contagious distempers, such as the plague. Medicinally, Walnuts were 

 considered to be very wholesome, and the oil obtained from them was 

 supposed to be a sovereign remedy for stone or gravel. It was formerly 

 a common practice in England to preserve the Nuts when young and 

 green as a sweetmeat. This was effected by gathering the Nuts before 

 the shells hardened, and boiling them till they became tender. For every 

 pound of fruit an equal weight of sugar, with sufficient water to make a 

 thick syrup, with cloves and small pieces of Lemon peel to flavour, and 

 this was poured over the boiled Nuts, They were allowed to stand for 

 ton days, and then boiled for several hours, after which the mixture was 

 gradually cooled and sealed down in airtight jars till required for use. 

 Tin- green fruit was also often sent to table after being boiled for three or 

 four hours in a thick syrup. 



USES. 



Though at the present time the Walnut scarcely ranks so high in 

 public estimation as it did formerly when so many virtues were attributed 

 to it, yet it is still cultivated extensively in Europe, and utilized for 

 a variety of purposes. The Nuts are greatly esteemed for the dessert, 

 and are relished by most people. They can be kept sound for a long 

 period, and when the kernels begin to shrivel if soaked in milk and water 

 tor ten or twelve hours they will generally become plump again. Under 

 pressure the kernels yield a bland oil in large proportions, and this is 

 frequently used as a substitute for Olive oil. The seeds of the Black 

 Walnut (Jnglans rngra] are, however, more oily than the English Walnut. 

 As a rule, the Nuts are left to ripen on the trees and fall of their own 

 accord. The green Nuts make an excellent and popular pickle when 

 used just before the shells begin to harden, which may , be easily 

 Ascertained by pricking them with a pin. The leaves, green Iruit, and 

 Imsks, when macerated in water, yield a bitter astringent liquor which is 

 useful for destroying insects, and more especially those of the Aphis 

 tribe. From the husks a permanent dye is obtained, which will 

 effectually stain the skin, nails, and hair a dark brown. It will also have 

 the same effect upon wool. The green husks, after soaking several days 

 in a strong solution of salt and vinegar, yield what is known as Walnut 

 ketchup, which is much used as a condiment, aad forms a leading 

 material in the composition of Worcestershire and other leading table 

 .s. nires. The use of the Walnut medicinally in modern times is riot 

 nearly so extensive as formerly. In some parts of Eastern Europe an 

 infusion of the leaves mixed with lard is considered to be a useful 

 remedy for scrofula and other skin complaints. The Circassians are said 

 to pierce the trees in the spring, collect the sap, which is allowed to 

 coagulate, and is then used for diseases of the lungs or in cases of general 

 debility. The oil, which is white, sweet, and without unpleasant odour. 



