in the deep south there was also another use for walnuts...whether black or english (i think...).
the husks were placed into burlap bags and securely tied up, then beaten (or driven over by vehicles/tractors). when weighted down and thrown into a pond or slue (non moving water...) the chemicals in the husks form a seal on the top of the water, which stops the transfer of oxygen into the water. it will force every fish, turtle, snake, etc. to the surface so they can be harvested, killed, or simply cleaned out prior to restocking with game fish.
the substance is rotenone, and can be purchased in commercial form at many farm supply stores. it is derived from the husks. i have heard my dad tell of rotenoning after walnut harvest time in louisiana in the 1920s.
but in truth, that's not as interesting as the story about the girlfriends walnut cracking skills....
