116 ESSAYS. 
the Christian era. Perhaps this is as great an age as we are 
warranted in assuming for the Cypress of Montezuma; but 
old trunks increase so much the more slowly as they advance 
in age, that we must certainly assign a vastly higher antiquity 
to the trees of Atlisco and Santa Maria del Tule. Yet far 
the most important element in the calculation is wanting; 
namely, the actual present rate of growth of these monstrous 
trunks, or of other old trees of the same species. In default 
of this essential evidence, De Candolle has instituted a com- 
parison between these trees and the famous Baobabs of Sen- 
egal, upon which we place no great reliance, but from which 
he infers that the great Cypress of Santa Maria del Tule, if 
really the growth of a single trunk, is from four to six thou- 
sand years old, and perhaps dates its existence as far back as 
the actual creation of the world. 
We trust that the next intelligent traveler who visits this 
most ancient living monument, or any other Cypress of re- 
markable size, will not fail to complete the evidence that is 
needed, as the full solution of this curious problem may throw 
light upon some interesting questions respecting the physical 
history of the world. One or more lateral incisions, not at 
all endangering the existence of the tree, would at once reveal 
its actual growth for the last few centuries. And if made at 
proper points, and carried to a sufficient depth, they might 
enable the judicious operator to disprove or confirm the sur- 
mise, that this huge bole may consist of the trunks of two or 
three original trees, long since united and blended into one. 
This conjecture is by no means very improbable, although 
there is nothing in the external appearance of the trunk to 
confirm it.? 
Meanwhile, the Cypresses of our southern States, although 
of more moderate dimensions, afford important assistance in 
this inquiry. It is generally known that old trees of the 
1 Alphonse De Candolle, in “ Bibl. Univ.,” xlvi. p. 393. Aug. Pyr. De 
Candolle, “ Phys. Veg.,” ii. p. 1000. 
2 In opposition to the remark of M, Anza, cited by Humboldt (Essai 
Polit., the Engl. transl., ii. p. 190), we may adduce the account of Mr. + 
Exter, and the negative testimony of M. Galeotti. 
