School: Ballintotas (roll number 15165)

Location:
Ballintotis, Co. Cork
Teacher:
Tadhg Ó Coileáin
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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0395, Page 321

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The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0395, Page 321

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  3. XML “Origin of the Name Horse-Chestnut”

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  1. Origin of the name "Horse-chestnut" to the well known tree, was explained in a manner which should be considered unique by a M ? Clane, who was a steward-gardener, in the employment of the Smith-Barry family at Ballyedmond, Midleton, Co. Cork. He gave me an explanation in September 1906 but of his present whereabouts I am not certain.
    In autumn when the leaves fall from the tree, or even earlier than then, if one pulls a leaf with the portion of stem attached, a mark or scar can be seen where the stem was disconnected from the branch. This mark is shaped like a horseshoe and when one looks closely, the marks of seven nails can be seen on that area. In position on either side of the "horse-shoe" the nail marks are exactly as they are on a real horseshoe - four on one side and three on the other.
    Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.
    Language
    English
    Informant
    Mr Clane
    Gender
    Male
    Occupation
    Gardener