170 



TIIK C1IJ>TM'T. 



THE CHESTNUT. 



CASTANEA YESCA. 



Natural Order AMENTACE.E. 



Class MONCECIA. Order PoLYANDKIA. 



BEFORE I begin the description of this the most mag- 

 nificent tree which reaches perfection in Europe, it is 

 necessary that I should examine somewhat minutely the 

 grounds which have been urged in favour of its claims to 

 be considered a native of Great Britain, which are neither 

 few nor inconsiderable. 



The first of these is derived from the large quantity of 

 Chestnut timber which, it has been said, exists in old 

 -buildings. Evelyn, writing on this subject, says : " The 

 Chestnut is, next the Oak, one of the most sought after 

 by the carpenter and joiner. It hath formerly built a 

 good part of our ancient houses in the City of London, 



