HORSE CHESTNUT TEEES IX SCOTLAND. 191 



matters remain in possession of the Fife family, and no informa- 

 tion can be traced as to this old and remarkable tree. 



It is popularly believed in many districts that the horse 

 chestnut has the property of not being liable to be struck by 

 liglitning. Certainly it has been recorded by Evelyn, that in an 

 experience of forty years no instance had ever occurred. Hence 

 also, it was from this belief that we find it so often introduced 

 as a tree for shade and shelter for pasture lands. 



There are several varieties of the species, such as ^sculus 

 ruMciiMcla, and a double flowering white variety, as well as its 

 yellow kinsman, the Pavia or Indian chestnut. Properly speak- 

 ing, the Pavia jiava is a distinct species, but they are so very 

 closely allied, and so capable of being hybridised, that the two 

 species may be accepted as one. They are both equally hardy 

 in England, and in most situations in Scotland, if sheltered. 

 The Pavia flava, yellow or Calif ornian variety, surpasses most 

 autumn trees in beauty of tint, presenting a beautifully clear 

 yellovv^ colour, and richness of tone quite marked and conspicuous 

 when grouped amongst other varieties. But the horse chestnut 

 itself, of the ordinary variety, is a wqxj ^\\o\\\ '' aufAiriin-tint'' 

 tree. Becoming yellow sometimes even in the month of July, 

 it gradually assumes a rich deep russet hue as the season 

 advances. Its luxuriant foliage and majestic appearance in 

 early summer, combined with the handsome candelabra-like 

 blossom spikes in spring, render the horse chestnut a charming 

 object in any landscape ; and we must admire it for its beauty, 

 if not for its utility, and for the conspicuous and prominent bear- 

 ing at a distance, more particularly when in flower, which has 

 obtained for it the soubriquet of "the Giant's Nosegay." 



One or two minor commercial uses to which tlie horse 

 chestnut is adapted have not been noticed, and in closing this 

 paper tliey may be briefly referred to. Its wood, although light 

 and of little value, as we have said, yet if cut up fresh, may be 

 utilised for ornamental carving, and for the manufacture of 

 articles of domestic use, where a white-grained easily wrought 

 surface is required. The nuts are useful and highly nutritious 

 for deer and sheep. In fact, in some countries on the Continent 

 they are crushed up by machinery, and 2 lbs. weight are given 

 daily, morning and evening, to sheep that are being fattened for 

 market. The nuts when boiled and given to poultry are very 

 beneficial. They also contain a saponaceous principle, and 

 when decayed they turn into pulp or jelly, which has been 

 found to answer tlie purpose of soap. In Ireland they are 

 used to whiten (laxen cloth, and they make an excellent ])aste, 

 which is also useful in glazing calico. The bark is sometimes 

 used for a yellow dye, for which it is well adapted. It is also 

 verv bitter, and is sometimes used medicinallv as a substitute 

 for " Jesuit's bark." 



[ArrKXDix. 



