254 THE WALNUT. 



leaves at the extremities of the shoots, and are at no time 

 so conspicuous as the barren flowers, 



The poet Virgil remarks, that when the Walnut pro- 

 duces an abundance of blossom, a good corn-harvest may 

 be expected, and that the reverse will be the case when it 

 bears a profusion of leaves and few flowers. Agricultural 

 maxims of this kind are frequently founded in truth ; but 

 I am not aware whether or not there are any grounds for 

 considering this opinion correct. The fertile flowers aro 



TWIG OF WALNT-T. 



succeeded by bunches of smooth nuts, which in their young 

 state are firm, but not hard, and abound in juice of a strong 

 and offensive odour, which, on exposure to the air, turns 

 dark yellow, and subsequently black. In September or 

 October the outer case becomes mealy, and splits irregu- 

 lai'ly, disclosing the nut, which is too well known to need 

 any description. The latter then falls off, generally bring- 

 ing the case with it. About the same time the leaves turn 

 yellow and fall off, and the tree is more than ever marked 



