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A tree at Hitchen in Hertfordshire, is said to have had a circumferance of 

 forty-two feet, five feet from the ground ; and another at Great Crawford 

 Park, Dorsetshire, measured thirty-seven feet round . But the most note- 

 worthy specimen as regards size and age grew in Italy, and was known 

 as the Chestnut of Mount Etna. This remarkable tree is by far the 

 largest on record, as, according to report, its trunk was over 200 feet in 

 circumference. A common name for this tree was the Chestnut of the 

 Hundred Horses, from the tradition that Jean of Arragon, attended by a 

 hundred cavaliers, took shelter under its immense branches during a~ 

 heavy thunderstorm. It may be interesting to some to learn that the 

 town of Cheshunt, in Hertfordshire, England, is supposed to have obtained 

 its name through the large number of Chestnut trees that formerly grew 

 in the locality. 



' USES. 



The fruit of the Chestnut is farinaceous to a very large extent and less 

 oily than any other uut. In its raw state it is very indigestible, and when 

 used it is generally roasted and eaten with salt. The demand for the 

 nuts in this part of the world will probably always be limited, as, though 

 they are largely used in France, Spain, and in other parts of Europe as a 

 bread material when mixed with flour or meal, the people of Australasia 

 are not likely to adopt the same practise. As a timber or shade tree the 

 Chestnut is worthy of being generally cultivated. The wood is light, 

 cross-grained, durable, and will stand well in water or under ground. It 

 contains but comparatively little sap wood, and consequently yields a 

 greater proportion of hard timber than the oak and many other trees. 

 Many well authenticated instances are recorded in Europe of the durability 

 of Chestnut timber. In one instance a post, upon which a gate had 

 swung for fifty-two years, was taken up and found to be nearly as sound 

 as when placed in the ground. In another case a barn constructed of 

 Ohestmit wood was thirty nine years afterwards found to be sound in 

 every part. Formerly in England Chestnut wood mixed with oak was 

 extensively used in the construction of buildings and in making furniture. 

 It was also utilized to a large extent in making wine and beer casks. 

 The bark of the Chestnut is astringent and is sometimes used by 

 tanners and dyers. The Chestnut makes an excellent shade tree, and is 

 well adapted for street planting in some districts. It has been used very 

 successfully for this purpose in the town of Heathcote, Victoria, whose 

 main street is adorned with some noble specimens. 



CULTIVATION. 



The Chestnut may be grown successfully is many parts of Australasia, 

 and seems to be perfectly at home in either the cool or medium warm 

 districts. It will grow in any ordinary good soil, but thrives to 

 perfection in a deep sandy loam, with a moderately dry subsoil. 

 Calcarous soils are those that are the least suitable for the purpose. 

 The land should be worked deeply, if it is heavy more especially, as 

 the trees require freedom for their roots. In light, open soils the 

 necessity for deep culture is not so great, but it is better to work the 

 ground well. Drainage must be provided for when necessary, as the 



