196 VOICES FKOM THE WOODLANDS. 



way down a steep and rugged declivity, beneath which 

 might roll an impetuous torrent ; for my wood is naturally 

 brittle, and liable to be shattered by fierce winds. 



Some have ascribed to me the honour of being indigenous 

 to Britain ; others maintain that Csesar transported chestnut- 

 trees from Sardis into Italy, on account of the excellence 

 of their nuts, from whence they passed into Prance and 

 Britain. True it is, that none of our tribe ever prevailed in 

 North Britain, nor have they been observed in the southern 

 portion of the island, except in parks, and avenues leading 

 to country mansions ; but those who visit the banks of the 

 Tamar, in Cornwall, may find the chestnut in many a lone 

 spot, as also in the woods and hedges of Kent and Surrey. 

 Anglesey is another of our favourite habitats ; and chestnuts 

 were so numerous at one time in the forest of Dean, that 

 Henry II. gave the tithe of all their fruits to Elaxley Abbey. 

 Those noble trees were, doubtless, planted and protected in 

 that royal preserve. 



Naturalists have sternly contended the point of our being 



