THE WALNUT. 63 



and has large oblong-ovate leaves, of a bright green colour 

 and very agreeable odour ; they are sometimes used in dye- 

 ing. Walnut-trees are pretty widely diffused, not only over 

 Europe, but also in Asia. In Cashmere they are cultivated 

 to an enormous extent for the valuable oil they yield, which 

 surpasses even linseed in its drying qualities ; it is said that 

 in that country 12,000 ass-loads of this nut are annually 

 taken to the oil-mills. 



There are few nuts of more agreeable flavour than the 

 walnut, consequently it is a great favourite at the dessert 

 table; but very few are imported, in consequence of their 

 ripening well in this country, and they will not bear a long 

 voyage without being kiln-dried, a process which certainly 

 spoils them ; they are however grown in most parts of Eng- 

 land as timber-trees, and it is to be regretted that they are 

 not much more cultivated, as they are very valuable, if it 

 were only on account of their very ornamental timber. The 

 Germans are aware of the value of the walnut-tree, and 

 cultivate it assiduously. We receive about 30,000 bushels, 

 the principal portion of which is imported into London 

 from Germany; a few also come from France and Italy. 

 From America we receive the Hickory and Peccan nuts, 

 which also belong to the walnut tribe (Juglandacece) . 



