THE 



FOREST TREES OF BRITAIN. 



THE CHESTNUT. 

 Castanea vesca. 



Natural order — AMENTACEiE. 

 Class — MoNOEciA. Order — Polyandria. 



Before I begin the description of this the 

 most magnificent tree which reaches perfection in 

 Europe, it is necessary that I should examine some- 

 what minutely the grounds which have been 

 urged in favour of its claims to be considered a 

 native of Great Britain, which are neither few nor 

 inconsiderable. 



The first of these is derived from the large 

 quantity of Chestnut timber which, it has been 

 said, exists in old buildings. Evelyn, writing on 

 this subject, says: The Chestnut is, next the 

 Oak, one of the most sought after by the car- 

 penter and joiner. It hath formerly built a good 

 part of our ancient houses in the city of London, 

 as does yet appear : I had once a very large barn 

 near the city, framed entirely of this timber ; and 

 certainly the trees grew not far off, probably in 

 some woods near the town ; for in that description 

 of London, written by Fitz-Stephen, in the reign 



