The principal species of the hickory are the following: The Shellbark hichory (C. alba), so called on account of the roughness of its bark, which is loosened from the trunk in long scales or pieces, bending outwards at the extremity, and remaining attached by the middle; this takes place, however, only on trees of some size. The leaves are composed of two pair of leaflets, with an odd or terminal one. The scales which cover the buds of the Shellbark in winter, adhere only to the lower half, while the upper half of the bud is left uncovered, by which this sort is readily distinguished from the other species. The hickory nuts of our markets are the product of this tree; they are much esteemed in every part of the Union, and are exported in considerable quantities to Europe. Among many of the descendants of the original Dutch settlers of New York and New Jersey, the fruit is commonly known by the appellation of the Kisky-tom nut.* (* In some parts, pleasant social parties which meet at stated times during the winter season, are called Kisky-toms, from the regular appearance of these nuts among the refreshments of the evening.)
