EUROPEAN TIMBEE 
47 
Spanish or Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) is found in 
the south of Europe, Africa, North America, and most parts 
of England, especially the southern counties. It is a stately 
and handsome tree, closely allied to the beech, and grows to 
a great age. It has no large or distinct medullary rays, and 
this is the characteristic distinction between it and the oak ; 
its annular rings are very distinct and fairly wide. The wood 
is not unlike the oak in appearance, the colour being of rather 
a redder tinge, but it has practically no sapwood and is 
generally of a closer grain than oak, although softer and 
lighter ; it is more liable to split in nailing than oak, but 
the nails do not blacken the timber. It is a wood of slow 
growth, easier to work than oak, does not shrink or swell so 
much, and is remarkably durable ; the younger wood is 
much harder and more flexible than the old. Chestnut was 
formerly much used in England for large span roofs and 
for similar purposes to oak, but now chiefly in small 
sizes by coachbuilders and wheelwrights. Young chestnut 
trees are much appreciated for hop poles and also for gate- 
posts and fencing. Chestnut is said by some to surpass oak 
in durability. The wood is heavier and closer grained when 
grown in warm climates. A good deal has been used in the 
London district split up for park fencing. In France the 
smaller pieces are used for hoops and vine props. 
Weight about 38 lbs. per cubic foot. 
Horse Chestnut {.^Jsculushipjwcastaiium) is quite a distinct 
tree from the above, and remarkable for its magnificent 
foHage, rapid growth, and stately size. Most Londoners 
know the fine avenue of these trees along the main road 
at Bushey Park, and they present a beautiful sight when 
in full blossom : the wood is yellowish white, of fine, close, 
even grain not unlike maple, and in character not unHke 
poplar ; it is not durable. It is used for turning, and is 
