SWEET CHESTNUT TREE. 599 



parallel to it ; and for a little distance from the leaf-stalk the 

 margin is destitute of the sharp points and merely waved. One 

 margin begins further down the leaf-stalk than the other, but both 

 start from it in a concave line which changes almost immediately 

 to a convex one. The widest part of the leaf is reached by regular 

 steps, the width of each being determined by the secondary ribs. The 

 diminution in width towards the tapering apex is equally regular. 

 Most of the leaves lie vertically, some are drooping, those near the 

 top of vigorous shoots incline upwards. A leaf is sometimes bowed 

 from base to tip. 



THE CHESTNUT (Castanea sativa), 



Also called the Spanish or Sweet Chestnut, was probably 

 introduced into England by the Romans. It grows rapidly, and will 

 live as long as an Oak. The timber from old trees is not very durable, 

 but poles grown as coppice are noted for their durability and tough- 

 ness. They are now extensively used for the hoops of barrels (in 

 preference to Birch, which was formerly used for this purpose), and 

 for hop poles, fencing, etc. The coppice affords good cover for game. 



A continuous light fencing is now made from Chestnut coppice. 

 The rods, after being split and pointed, are connected by strong 

 double wires near the top and bottom. The wires are twisted by a 

 simple hand machine that can be used in the shelters in the copse, 

 and hold the stakes at regular distances apart. It is said that the 

 leaf mould from Chestnut trees contains fertilising properties unequalled 

 by any other tree. The value of the timber appears to depend partly 

 upon the situation and the quality of the soil in which the tree is 

 grown, and partly upon its age. 



"If cut when not more than fifty years old, it consists almost 



