EUROPEAN TIMBER 47 



Spanish or Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativd) is found in 

 the south of Europe, Africa, North America, and most parts 

 of England, especially the southern counties. It is a stately 

 and handsome tree, closely allied to the beech, and grows to 

 a great age. It has no large or distinct medullary rays, and 

 this is the characteristic distinction between it and the oak ; 

 its annular rings are very distinct and fairly wide. The wood 

 is not unlike the oak in appearance, the colour being of rather 

 a redder tinge, but it has practically no sapwood and is 

 generally of a closer grain than oak, although softer and 

 lighter ; it is more liable to split in nailing than oak, but 

 the nails do not blacken the timber. It is a wood of slow 

 growth, easier to work than oak, does not shrink or swell so 

 much, and is remarkably durable ; the younger wood is 

 much harder and more flexible than the old. Chestnut was 

 formerly much used in England for large span roofs and 

 for similar purposes to oak, but now chiefly in small 

 sizes by coachbuilders and wheelwrights. Young chestnut 

 trees are much appreciated for hop poles and also for gate- 

 posts and fencing. Chestnut is said by some to surpass oak 

 in durability. The wood is heavier and closer grained when 

 grown in warm climates. A good deal has been used in the 

 London district split up for park fencing. In France the 

 smaller pieces are used for hoops and vine props. 

 Weight about 38 Ibs. per cubic foot. 



Horse Chestnut (JEsculushippocastanum) is quite a distinct 

 tree from the above, and remarkable for its magnificent 

 foliage, rapid growth, and stately size. Most Londoners 

 know the tine avenue of these trees along the main road 

 at Bushey Park, and they present a beautiful sight when 

 in full blossom : the wood is yellowish white, of fine, close, 

 even grain not unlike maple, and in character not unlike 

 poplar ; it is not durable. It is used for turning, and is 



