DBSCEIPTIVJi ENUMEE.ATION OP TEBBS. 87 



supposed to be that of the Chestnut^ was in reaUty the 

 ■wood of the Durmast Oak {Quercus sessiliflora) , and this 

 view has since been adopted by other writers. There is a 

 great similarity in the two kinds of timber, and hence, 

 doubtless, the confusion. The church at Sutton has been 

 wholly rebuilt since Gilpin's time, and the timber of the 

 tower has, the present rector informs us, been 'used 

 agfain in various places.' It is a curious fact that the 

 timber of the Chestnut — unlike that of the Oak — decreases 

 in value as the tree increases in age. — Ed. 



Tlie Horse-Chestnut is a heavy, disagreeable tree. 

 It forms its foliage generally in a round mass, 

 witli little appearance of tliose breaks Avhich, we 

 have observed, contribute to give an airiness and 

 lightness, at least a richness and variety to the 

 whole mass of foliage. This tree is, however, 

 chiefly admired for its flower, which m itself is 

 beautiful; but the whole tree together in flower 

 is a glaring object, totally unharmonious, and 

 unpicturesque. The park at Hampton Court, 

 planted, I believe, by King William, is a superb 

 specimen of a plantation of Horse-Chestnuts. In 

 some situations indeed, and among a profusion of 

 other wood, a single tree or two, in bloom, may be 

 beautiful. As it forms an admirable shade, it may 



