APRIL. 115 
woods in the south of England as the localities where it is 
found apparently wild. It is a large, noble tree, with 
spreading branches; the wood used for the same purposes 
as Oak. Evelyn, the old writer, says, “it hath formerly 
built a good part of our ancient houses in the city of 
London ;” and that he had “one large barn near the city 
entirely framed of it.” The church of St. Nicholas at Great 
Yarmouth, erected in the reign of William Rufus, is roofed 
with Chestnut. Dr. Hooker says, “It affords excellent 
stakes for palisades, and props for vines and hops. It is 
good for mill timber and for water-works ; but if water touch 
the root of the growing tree, it spoils both the fruit and 
wood. The nuts are used as an article of daily food in the 
south of Europe, and in France I have had them served up 
for breakfast, boiled in milk.” 
with its handsome blossom in May, causes it to be frequently planted. It is 
originally from Asia, and three centuries ago was not known in Europe. It 
was first planted at Constanstinople, and then made its progress through Italy 
and France to England. 
rg 
