for so keen a lover of Nature. In speaking of the Horse-Chestnut he says:-' It forms its foliage generally in a round mass, with little appearance

of those breaks which, we have observed, contribute to give an airiness and lightness, at least a richness and variety, to the whole mass of foliage. This tree, is, however, chiefly admired for its flower, which in itself is beautiful; but the whole tree together in flower is a glaring object, totally unharmonious, and unpicturesque. The Park of Hampton Court, planted I believe by King William, is a superb specimen of a plantation of HorseChestnuts. In some situations, indeed, and among a profusion of other wood, a single tree or two, in bloom, may be beautiful. As it forms an admirable shade, it may be of use, too, in thickening distant scenery, or in screening an object at hand, for there is no species of foliage, however heavy, nor any species of bloom, however glaring, which may not be brought by some proper contrast, to produce a good effect.'

Though in the absence of lightness of form the Horse-Chestnut strongly contrasts with many other trees it is not for that reason 'disagreeable.' On the contrary its contrasting characteristics give it variety which is pleasing. With some inconsistency even Gilpin, whilst condemning the