(28) THE COMMON HORSE CHESTNUT

The COMMON HORSE CHESTNUT (Aesculus Hippocastanum, L.), cultivated in Europe since the 16th century, is an ornamental tree of quick growth in good soil.

Its handsome blossom surpasses that of all other British trees, and its massive foliage is effective, but the timber is of an inferior quality, only used for boarding and packing-cases, linings of carts, and wheel-barrows. I

t is rarely planted in mixed plantations where profit is an object; it interferes with its neighbours, and occupies too much room. It is generally introduced near mansion-houses for ornament and shade, and the celebrated avenues of Richmond and Bushy Park are at the time of flowering objects of great beauty.

From the crop of nuts which ripen in October seedlings are easily raised, and should be placed in rich loam, and transplanted before being finally planted out.






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