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THE HORSE CHESTNUT. 



The Horse Chestnut^ so called^ because 

 the Turks grind the nuts and mix them with 

 corn for their steeds, is a stately and orna- 

 mental tree ; it gives the deepest and most 

 solemn shade of any with which we are ac- 

 quainted. It bears five or seven leaves on one 

 stalky spread out like the fingers of the human 

 hand ; and the blossom is certainly the most 

 elegant and splendid flower produced by any 

 timber-tree in our country. When in full 

 blossom it is like a mountain of ivory and 

 emeralds ; but this effect soon gives place to 

 its shadowy depth of colouring. The timber 

 is of little service ; being soft and perishable. 

 The bark^ it is said^ is of some use in tanning ; 



