[1971] The tree is the Fagus castanea of Linnæus.
[1972] Cortex.
[1973] The common mode of eating it at the present day. The Italians also take off the skin and dry the nut; thus keeping it from year to year. When required for eating, it is softened by the steam of boiling water.
[1974] Not improbably said in allusion to the fasts introduced by the Jews, who had become very numerous in Rome.
[1975] It was said to have come from Castana, a city of Pontus, whence its name “Castanea.” It is probably indigenous to Europe.
[1976] The Greek for “Jove’s acorn.”
[1977] Or “acorn chesnut.” The same variety, Fée says, that is found in the vicinity of Perigueux, small, nearly round, and without any particular flavour.
[1978] The Ganebelone chesnut of Perigueux, Fée says, answers to this description.
[1979] On account of the prickles on the outer shell.