INTRODUCTION.

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IT is of very little consequence to estimate the utility of the oak according to ancient records, or whether mankind in the early ages lived upon the Acorn. It is probable that the word, Acorn, was formerly a generic name, applied to different fruits. The Arabs called the date-tree Tamar, and to this they added a specific name, when they wished to distinguish it from other fruits; thus the Tamarin or Tamarind was called Tamar Hendi, the date of India, &c.

The Greeks made use of the word Baλavos (Balanos) to signify the date, the chesnut, the acorn, and many other fruits, and the people employed in gathering such

fruits were called Βαλανισται (Balanistes). The Latins also used the word Glans as a generic name; the date was called Glans Phanicia, the chesnut Glans Sardiana, the fruit of the walnut, Jovis glans or Juglans, &c.

In short, the Gauls called the fruit of many trees indiscriminately acorns, as the acorn of the oak, the beech, the walnut, &c. It is therefore to be presumed, that under the generic term acorn, dates, chesnuts, &c. have been formerly, as well as at the present day, preferred to the fruit of the oak, as the food of many nations.

Plutarch calls the Arcadians Βαλανη Qayo (Balanephages) and observes that they were considered as invincible, because their principle food consisted of acorns. Without recurring to ancient history, I will admit that it is very probable, acorns might be eatable. It is certain that throughout the Morea and Asia Minor, a sort of acorn, fit to be eaten, is sold in

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