This section is from the book "Trees And Tree-Planting", by James S. Brisbin. Also available from Amazon: Trees and Tree Planting.
Similarity of Species and General Characteristics to Horse-chestnuts. — Horse-chestnut Buckeye.— Its Elevation and Nativity. — Its Manner of Growth and Soil Suited to its Growth. — Its Foliage and Fruit Described. — Its Ornamental Value. — Specified Varieties.—When Introduced into the United States.—Repulsiveness of its Leaves to Insect Ravages.—Description of its Wood.—Use to which Put in Europe.—Use as Recommended by Du Hamel. —Produce of its Bark.—Bleaching Properties of its Nut. — Its Artistic Beauty.—Ohio Buckeye.— Height. — For what Recommended.—Its Uselessness as a Timber Tree.—The Sweet Buckeye.— Its Attainable Height.— Origin of its Name.—Uses of its Wood.—How Propagated.—Popularity of its Nut-husks.—The Red Buckeye.—Its Stunted Growth.—Its Floral and Odorous Properties.—Where Found.—Effect of its Bark on Fish.—Another Use of its Bark.—Its Largest Specimen.—Its Supposed Nativity.—Its Introduction into Britain, and Ornamental Use.—Results of Grafting. —An Opinion.—The Edible Buckeye Described.
Sometimes the two families of buckeyes and horse-chestnuts are mixed by persons that do not know the difference between the families, and are called separate trees; but their general characteristics are so much alike that, for one, I cannot see why a difference should exist at all, and I class them all under one head—First.
 
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