THE CHESTNUT. 99 



course, a question to be answered at some future time, 

 but from present indications this tree will be well worthy 

 of cultivation as an ornamental shade tree, even if we 

 leave out of the account its rapid growth, productive- 

 ness, and delicious little nuts, which will be very accept- 

 able for home use, if not possessing any great commer- 

 cial value. 



European Varieties. In the use of this term I 

 wish it understood that the varieties named and described 

 in this group are all of American origin ; that is, raised 

 in this country from seed. At the same time they are- 

 descendants of the European species. They are, in other- 

 words, " Survivals of the fittests," the few that have 

 survived the many being raised from imported nuts (per- 

 haps one out of a thousand) that tests and time have shown 

 were adapted to our climate. There may be many other 

 varieties scattered about the country which are worthy 

 of a name and of propagation, but I can speak only of 

 those I have been able to procure, or that have been 

 brought to my notice. 



In describing the following varieties, and in seeking 

 to get at the facts relating to their origin, name and 

 history, the reader will please bear in mind that there 

 has been no previous attempt to arrange or classify these 

 semi-American varieties. Furthermore, there is much 

 confusion in regard to the true names of a number of 

 them, and the most I can say is that I have endeavored, 

 under the circumstances, to get as near the truth as pos- 

 sible. Could I defer writing this chapter ten years, some 

 moot points might be cleared up, but as this is out of 

 the question I must follow the light already in my 

 possession. 



To Mr. John R. Parry, of Parry, N. J., I am greatly 

 indebted, not only for specimens of new and rare varie- 

 ties, but also nates relating to the history of several of 

 the older ones. 



