i62 THE HORSE-CHESTNUT. 



are tninstormed to liard prickles, standing out from a tough green 

 husk which measures about two inches in diameter. The weight of 

 the nut now makes it pendent, and the husk begins to spht up 

 along the indented lines that run from top to bottom and divide it 

 into three equal segments. Each of these has an inner lining ot 

 white skin into which the polished Chestnut is neatly fitted : only 

 in verv rare cases, however, do the nuts in all three segments come 

 to maturity. 



THE HORSE-CHESTNUT (.^sculus Hippocastanum). 



The Chestnut appears to have been brought to Europe from 

 .■\sia in the middle ot the i6t]i century. It will grow to fifty or 

 sixtv teet, and that very rapidly, in a rich loamy soil, and does 

 well in almost any situation. The wood is soft and not particularly 

 durable. It has an even grain. The tree, however, is planted merely 

 as an ornament, and the grand formality makes it specially suitable 

 for avenues. It is hut little affected by frost, wind, or the ravages 

 of insects. In some districts the seed is apt not to set, and the young 

 foliage to lie disfigured l)y late frosts. It can withstanil a strong wind 

 as it is furnisheti with a vigorous tap root, and rootlets spreading 

 laterally. The branches are sufficiently lough to prevent much damage 

 resulting from the deposit of ice or snow. 



