[Illustration: FIG. 65.--Trunk of Chestnut Tree.]

Range: Eastern United States.

Soil and location: It will grow on rocky as well as on fertile soils and
requires plenty of light.

Enemies: During the past nine years nearly all the chestnut trees in the
United States have been attacked by a fungus disease (_Diaporthe
parasitica_, Mur.) which still threatens the entire extinction of
the chestnut trees in this country. No remedy has been discovered
and all affected trees should be cut down and the wood utilized
before it decays and becomes worthless. No species of chestnut tree
is entirely immune from this disease, though some species are highly
resistant.

Value for planting: The chestnut is one of the most rapidly growing
hardwood trees but, on account of its disease, which is now
prevalent everywhere, it is not wise to plant chestnut trees for the
present.

Commercial value: The wood is light, not very strong and liable to warp.
It is durable when brought in contact with the soil and is therefore
used for railroad ties, fence-posts, poles, and mine timbers. It is
also valuable for interior finish in houses and for fuel. Its bark
is used in the manufacture of tanning extracts and the nuts are sold
in cities in large quantities.