96 GERMINATION 



So that it would seem that the outgrowth was from the sides 

 of the seed only. 



From the firmness and appearance of the seed and my 

 recollection of it when it was potted I am of opinion that 

 no portion of its substance had been used by the seedling 

 for food. 



Although the Horse Chestnut tree has taken very kindly 

 to our climate and is common to the great majority of our 

 gardens it is only, I am told, some three centuries ago that 

 it was introduced into Europe. Apart from the erect 

 racemes of attractive red and white flowers which beautify 

 the suburbs of London, the timber is useful. The bark 

 contains an astringent principle which is sometimes used 

 in medicine and there is colouring matter in the outer 

 membrane of the seeds which is of some value for dyeing 

 purposes. 



The seeds also contain a considerable quantity of starch, 

 an oil said to be a remarkable remedy for rheumatism, and 

 a saponaceous substance which, when reduced to powder, 

 may be used for washing. They are also hked as food by 

 horses, cattle and pigs. 



