Chain in Horse-Chestnut Tree. | 7 
size, and, by thus drawing off the strength of the tree, helped 
to keep back the healing process which was going on over the 
chain, and to starve the upper boughs. It is remarkable that 
these boughs did not spring from the side which was nearest 
to the other tree, nor from the side which was furthest from 
it, but from the other sides. As regards the dimensions of 
the tree, when the chain was first put round it it must have 
been about 40 inches in circumference. Its circumference is 
now, taken about eight inches above the chain, 67 inches; but, 
taken about 26 inches below the chain, it is g6 inches. It 
would be possible, I think, to ascertain from the rings in the 
tree, approximately, the number of years which were occupied 
in effecting the changes which I have pointed out. I 
hope to be able to find time to do this, and lay the result 
before the members of the club on a future occasion. The 
number of rings appearing at the bottom of the trunk would 
give the entire age of the tree. On the other hand, the rings 
in the centre of the upper part of the trunk, would represent 
the years which elapsed before the chain began to strangle the 
tree; then comes a number of confused rings, very close 
together, which represent the years of the tree’s struggle with 
the chain, and when the free flow of the sap upwards was 
obstructed ; and then come a number of broader and more 
distinct rings, which represent the years which have past since, 
the chain having become embedded by the steady growth of 
the tree, the free flow of the sap was once more restored. It 
is a very interesting fact that the part of the chain which was 
put round the tree which is still standing has also become 
embedded in the bough which it was intended to support, and 
can no longer be seen; but a piece of the chain which was 
attached to the part which is embedded is still to be seen 
hanging from it. The part of this bough which is above the 
chain is very weak and shabby, and, on the other hand, two 
boughs, which spring just below the chain, have abnormally 
increased in size. 
NotTEe.—The piece of the tree which was the subject of the above paper 
is now in the Museum of the Royal Gardens at Kew. It has been admira- 
bly photographed by Mr. Mason, the well-known photographer, of George 
hee Croydon, who will supply copies to any one who may wish to have 
them.—J. F. 
