16 



THE CHESTNUT. 



of which are often mere empty rmds, but all, 

 whether solid or otherwise, bear the remains of 

 the flower, in the shape of a few dry bristles, on 

 their points. 



Chestnuts are spoken of very contemptuously 

 by Pliny, who says: ^^The fruit of the Castanea 

 we call also a nut, though it approaches nearer in 

 character to mast. It is protected by a case beset 

 with strong prickles. It is strange that we hold 

 as of no value a fruit which Nature has so care- 

 fully guarded from injury. As many as three 

 nuts frequently grow together in one case. The 

 proper rind of the nut is tough, and within this 

 is a thin skin closely attached to the substance of 

 the nut, as in the walnut, which, unless it be 

 removed, spoils the flavour of the fruit. The 

 best way of preparing them for food is by roasting. 

 They are sometimes ground into meal, which is 

 converted by women into a wretched substitute 

 for bread, and eaten during their religious fasts." 



Notwithstanding the low repute in which the 

 Roman naturalist appears to have held chestnuts, 

 they are mentioned among rustic dainties by more 

 than one Latin poet. Thus Virgil says : 



" Sunt nobis mitia poma, 



Castanese moUes, et pressi copia lactis." 



" Ripe apples and soft chestnuts we have there, 

 And curd abundant to supply our fare." 



" Ipse ego cana legam tenera lanugine mala, 

 Castaneasque nuces, mea quas Amaryllis amabat, 

 Addam cerea pruna." 



" Myself will search our planted grounds at home,. 

 For downy quinces and the waxen plum ; 

 And pick the chestnuts in the neighbouring grove, 

 Such as my Amaryllis used to love." 



