bow-arrow tang

bilby commented on the word bow-arrow tang

"The very sticks and stones lodged in the tree-top might have convinced you of the savoriness of the fruit which has been so eagerly sought after in past years. I have seen no account of these among the "Fruits and Fruit-Trees of America," though they are more memorable to my taste than the grafted kinds; more racy and wild American flavors do they possess, when October and November, when December and January, and perhaps February and March even, have assuaged them somewhat. An old farmer in my neighborhood, who always selects the right word, says that 'they have a kind of bow-arrow tang.'" - 'Wild Apples', Henry David Thoreau.

December 14, 2007