DECIDUOUS ORNAMENTAL TREES. 
179 
In considering the chestnut as highly adapted to 
ornament the grounds of extensive country residences, 
much that we have already said of the oak will apply to 
this tree. When young, its smooth stem, clear and bright 
foliage, and lively aspect, when adorned with the numerous 
light greenish yellow blossoms, which project beyond the 
mass of leaves, render it a graceful and beautiful tree. 
It has long been a favorite with the poets for its grateful 
shade ; and as the roots run deep, the soil beneath it is 
sufficiently rich and sheltered to afford an asylum for the 
minutest beauties of the woods. Tennyson sweetlv 
says : — 
“ That slope beneath the chestnut tall 
Is wooed with choicest breaths of air, 
Methinks that I could tell you all 
The cowslips and the king cups there.” 
When old, its huge trunk, wide-spread branches, lofty head, 
and irregular outline, all contribute to render it a 
picturesque tree of the very first class. In that state, 
when standing alone, with free room to develope itself on 
every side, like the oak, it gives a character of dignity, 
majesty, and grandeur, to the scene, beyond the power of 
most trees to confer. It is well known that the favorite 
tree of Salvator Rosa, and one which was most frequently 
introduced with a singularly happy effect into his wild and 
picturesque compositions, was the chestnut; sometimes 
a massy and bold group of its verdure, but oftener an old 
and storm-rifted giant, half leafless, or a barren trunk 
coated with a rich verdure of mosses and lichens. 
The chestnut in maturity, like the oak, has a great 
variety of outline ; and no trees are better fitted than 
these for the formation of grand groups, heavy masses, 
