I really needed to find a tree that was good at revitalising; at the time I was exhausted. I looked in the Bach flower remedies book and it seemed that hornbeam, olive and sweet chestnut (Castanae sativa) were the best trees for this. Hornbeams seemed quite hard to find and olives virtually impossible, so the obvious choice was sweet chestnut. I was already familiar with its prickly seed cases and sweet nuts. The large, oval, sharp- toothed leaves were very easy to identify too. I went to several woods before I found one that was suitable. I sat down at the tree, tired and weary. Within half an hour, I was feeling full of energy and inspiration. I had my guitar with me and asked the tree for its song. I didn't have long to wait before it came. It was quite a sad, minor phrase at the beginning, but gradually brightening and building to a rousing finale. It was technically quite difficult to play but very rewarding and satisfying. It had a strong Spanish classical feel about it. In fact several people remarked that it was reminiscent of the work of Villa Lobos. When I found out more about the tree's origins, it transpired that it is a native of Spain! It just goes to show, that the tree is always right, and I really am tapping into its energy. I would not be at all surprised if the great Spanish composers drew their inspiration from the trees too. Probably not in the conscious way I do, but I am sure they felt their influence. The main elements of this tree are fire and earth. If you feel exhausted or fatigued, this is the tree for you.