238 AUTUMNAL LEAVES. 



of those breaks which, we have observed, con- 

 tribute to give an airiness and lightness, at least a 

 richness and variety, to the whole mass of foliage. 

 This tree, is, however, chiefly admired for its 

 flower, which in itself is beautiful ; but the whole 

 tree together in flower is a glaring object, totally 

 unharmonious, and unpicturesque. The Park of 

 Hampton Court, planted I believe by King William, 

 is a superb specimen of a plantation of Horse- 

 Chestnuts. In some situations, indeed, and among 

 a profusion of other wood, a single tree or two, 

 in bloom, may be beautiful. As it forms an 

 admirable shade, it may be of use, too, in thicken- 

 ing distant scenery, or in screening an obje<st at 

 hand, for there is no species of foliage, however 

 heavy, nor any species of bloom, however glaring, 

 which may not be brought by some proper con- 

 trast, to produce a good effect.' 



Though in the absence of lightness of form the 

 Horse- Chest nut strongly contrasts with many 

 other trees it is not for that reason ( disagreeable.' 

 On the contrary its contrasting characteristics 

 give it variety which is pleasing. With some in- 

 consistency even Gilpin, whilst condemning the 



