254 



The Horse- Chestnuts. 



which occur in North America, and the rest in Asia. Their bark is 

 bitter and astringent, and has been used in some species for tanning. 

 The seeds contain a bitter principle that renders them unpalatable, 

 but it is said that starch has been made from them that was equal to 

 that from wheat. 



1006. THE HORSE-CHESTNUT (JEsculus hippocastanum). This is 

 a native of Asia, but is found perfectly well adapted to the North- 



138. The Horse-chestnut Tree. 



ern and Middle States, and is noted for the beauty of its flowers 

 and its stately and rapid growth. It is better suited for lawns than 

 for avenues, and is not of much value as a timber-tree. There are 

 a considerable number of varieties distinguished by the color of the 

 foliage and blossoms, and the habit of growth. 



1007. THE OHIO BUCKEYE (jEtculus glabrd). This tree grows from 

 Western Pennsylvania and Virginia westward to beyond the Mis- 

 sissippi, and is most abundant in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. It 

 is a small tree, with a rough bark, which has an unpleasant odor. 

 Its fruit is less than half the size of that of the horse-chestnut. 



