COMPARATIVE VALUE OF EXOTIC CONIFER^E IX BRITAIN. 265 



tree dies off. When the tree grows in a conspicuous position, and 

 gets in this condition, the axe is usually laid to its roots after the 

 second year. 



The timber of the cedar of Lebanon as produced in this covintry 

 is of no great value, being liable to snap across under strain, and 

 owing to this many of our fine old English specimens are dis- 

 figured from time to time by storms. We have had ample 

 opportunity of testing the quality of the wood, and that of 

 unusually large-sized specimens, but invai-iably found it wanting 

 in durable properties, though fine-grained, hard, and beautifully 

 coloured. When kept constantly dry, it, however, lasts for a 

 very long time, and is thus of value for the purposes of the 

 cabinetmaker, and is rendei'ed additionally so by the delicious 

 fragrance which it emits. For firewood the wood of this cedar 

 is not to be recommended, as, although it burns clear and emits 

 great heat, it sparks freely, and is thus highly dangerous. 



38. C eflialotaxus drupacea (Plum-fruited Cephalotaxus). — This 

 is a distinct, interesting, and beautiful coniferous shrub, and one 

 that has been found hardy in almost every part of Britain. 

 When grown in a cool, shady situation, it is a very ornamental 

 plant, the dark, yellowish, green leaves rendering it of value for 

 contrast. 



39. C. Forttmei (Fortune's Cephalotaxus) is a more ornamental 

 plant than the last, the foliage being less s})arsely ari-anged and of 

 a deeper and more glossy green. We have grown it to best 

 advantage in peaty soil, and where, from the close proximity of 

 the surrounding ti-ees, partial shelter and shade were secured. It 

 is worthy of a place in any collection, be it ever so choice. Both 

 this and the previous species were introduced from China in 

 1849. 



40. C. j)edunculata (Lord Harrington's Yew), and 4L G. 

 pedunculata fastiyiata, the latter in particular, are very desir- 

 able conifers, and whei-e soil and situation ai-e found suitable, 

 they may be grown with good effect in the embellishment of 

 lawns and parks. As a compact growing shrub or small tree, 

 the latter is worthy of attention, and being hardy and of free 

 growth, may be freely planted, particulai-ly where a cool, loamy 

 soil and warm sheltered corner can be supplied. G. peduncidata 

 is a native of Japan, and was introduced in 1837; the other 

 variety, also a native of Japan, was not introduced till 1861. 



42. Grypt07neria elegans ranks as one of our most beautiful 



