The walnut,[1] which would almost claim precedence of the sorb in size, yields the palm to it in reference to the esteem[2] in which they are respectively held; and this, although it is so favourite an accompaniment of the Fescennine[3] songs at nuptials. This nut, taken as a whole, is very considerably smaller than the pine nut, but the kernel is larger in proportion. Nature, too, has conferred upon it a peculiar honour, in protecting it with a two-fold covering, the first of which forms a hollowed cushion for it to rest upon, and the second is a woody shell. It is for this reason that this fruit has been looked upon as a symbol consecrated to marriage,[4] its offspring being thus protected in such manifold ways: an explanation which bears a much greater air of probability than that which would derive it from the rattling which it makes when it bounds from the floor.[5] The Greek names that have been given to this fruit fully prove that it, like many others, has been originally introduced from Persis; the best kinds being known in that language by the names of "Persicum,"[6] and "basilicon;,[7] these, in fact, being the names by which they were first known to us. It is generally agreed, too, that one peculiar variety has derived its name of "caryon,"[8] from the headache which it is apt to produce by the pungency[9] of its smell.

The green shell of the walnut is used for dyeing[10] wool, and the nuts, while still small and just developing themselves, are employed for giving a red hue to the hair:[11] a discovery owing to the stains which they leave upon the hands. When old, the nut becomes more oleaginous. The only difference in the several varieties consists in the relative hardness or brittleness of the shell, it being thin or thick, full of compartments or smooth and uniform. This is the only fruit that Nature has enclosed in a covering formed of pieces soldered together; the shell, in fact, forming a couple of boats, while the kernel is divided into four separate compartments[12] by the intervention of a ligneous membrane.

In all the other kinds, the fruit and the shell respectively are of one solid piece, as we find the case with the hazel—nut,[13] and another variety of the nut formerly known as "Abellina,"[14] from the name[15] of the district in which it was first produced: it was first introduced into Asia and Greece from Pontus, whence the name that is sometimes given to it—the "Pontic nut." This nut, too, is protected by a soft beard,[16] but both the shell and the kernel are round, and formed of a single piece: these nuts are sometimes roasted.[17] In the middle of the kernel we find a germen or navel.

A third class of nuts is the almond,[18] which has an outer covering, similar to that of the walnut, but thinner, with a second coat in the shape of a shell. The kernel, however, is unlike that of the walnut, in respect of its broad, flat shape, its firmness, and the superior tastiness of its flavour. It is a matter of doubt whether this tree was in existence in Italy in the time of Cato; we find him speaking of Greek nuts,[19] but there are some persons who think that these belong to the walnut class. He makes mention, also, of the hazel-nut, the calva,[20] and the Prænestine[21] nut, which last he praises beyond all others, and says[22] that, put in pots, they may be kept fresh and green by burying them in the earth.

At the present day, the almonds of Thasos and those of Alba are held in the highest esteem, as also two kinds that are grown at Tarentum, one with a thin,[23] brittle shell, and the other with a harder[24] one: these last are remarkably large, and of an oblong shape. There is the almond known as the "mollusk,"[25] also, which breaks the shell of itself. There are some who would concede a highly honourable interpretation to the name given to the walnut, and say that "juggles" means the "glens," or" acorn of Jove." It is only very lately that I heard a man of consular rank declare, that he then had in his possession walnut-trees that bore two[26] crops in the year.

Of the pistachio, which belongs also to the nut class, we have already spoken[27] in its appropriate place: Vitellius introduced this tree into Italy at the same time as the others that we mentioned;[28] and Flaccus Pompeius, a Roman of Equestrian rank, who served with him, introduced it at the same period into Spain.