THE HORSE-CHESTNUT. 



THE HORSE-CHESTNUT {^smlus Hippocastamim).— 



Luxury. 



Nearly two centuries and a half have passed since this 

 tree was imported from India, but as yet it does not mingle 

 its gorgeous head with the trees of our forests. It beautifies 

 parks, decorates castles, and lends its shade to our colleges 

 and palaces. In the early spring we see its branches studded 

 with huge leaf-buds, smeared as it were with an unctuous 

 gum ; a showery day comes, producing a warm moist atmo- 

 sphere ; then the leaf-buds open and clothe the tree with 

 verdure. When standing alone, nothing can exceed the 

 beauty of its foliage and the richness of its flowers. Its 

 pyramidal form, clad with digitate leaves, and the mass of 

 spikes of delicate white and pink flowers, which appear in 

 thick profusion, render it an admirable object; as Howitt 

 writes : 



" For in its honour prodigal nature weaves 

 A princely vestment, and profusely showers 

 O'er its green masses of broad palmy leaves, 



Ten thousand waxen pyramidal flowers ; 

 And gay and gracefully its head it heaves 

 Into the air, and monarch-like it towers." 



The wood and fruit of the Horse-chestnut are of little value. 

 Its magnitude confines it to the use of the wealthy as an 

 ornament. It seems thus fitly to represent Luxury in our 

 floral language. 



I15 I 2 



