xix.] ' WALNUT. in 



Italian Walnut wood ; it is dealt with in the market 

 under the same conditions. 



Burrs or excrescences, frequently measuring 2 to 3 

 feet across by 1 2 to 15 inches in the thicker part, and 

 weighing 5 to 6 cwt. each, are common to the Walnut 

 trees of Italy and the Black Sea ; they are often prettily 

 mottled or figured, and make rich and splendid veneers 

 for the cabinet-maker ; those of the best quality are con- 

 sequently much prized, and have been known to realise 

 ;5 to 6 P er ton weight. 



The wood of the American Black Walnut tree is 

 whitish-brown in colour, moderately hard, straight and 

 plain in the grain, splits freely, and is easy to work. It 

 will not bear comparison with the quality of either the 

 Italian or Black Sea Walnut wood. The trees are large 

 enough to yield building scantlings, the logs as imported 

 being usually about 15 to 30 inches square, imperfectly 

 hewn, by 10 to 20 feet in length. Owing to the liability 

 of the logs to split from the centre, the ends have 

 generally a red colouring matter put over them before 

 shipment, to protect them against atmospheric influences. 



This wood is sold at per foot cube. There is only 

 about ^ inch of sapwood on the Walnut trees above 

 mentioned. 



The uses of Walnut wood are chiefly for furniture 

 and pianoforte making. It is also much prized for 

 gun-stocks ; but there are many .other ways of employing 

 it profitably in place of mahogany and other furniture 

 woods. 



