CEDRUS ATLANTICA 153 



stand-by. The stiffer shape of the Atlas Cedar, its 

 more ascending branches of unequal length, its less 

 flattened head, and the often shorter and more crisp 

 expression of its leaves, these must be made the 

 ground of judgment. 



The Cedrus Atlantica takes its name from the 

 North African Mountain range, Mt. Atlas, which for 

 reasons more mythical than geographical, was sup- 

 posed to be situate on Atlantic shores. These 

 mountains in turn derive their name from the great 

 titanic champion and weight-carrier of mythological 

 history. It will be remembered by all boys, let us 

 assume, who have enjoyed the privileges of a classical 

 education in our public schools, that the defeated 

 giant was condemned by the superior authorities of 

 the Court of Jupiter to carry the heavens upon his 

 shoulders. Doubtless as a conquered victim he was 

 subjected to a heavy penance in life, but when that 

 ceased he acquired a certain compensating consolation 

 in a posthumous fame, both in verse — 



On Atlantean shoulders fit to bear, 

 The weight of mighty monarchies — 



and in the bestowal indirectly of a name upon a tree 

 that has become a great favourite with us. 



The C. Deodara is not to be outdone in a claim in the 

 direction of religious or secular association by other 

 Cedars. The word is derived from Sanscrit language, 

 Deva (Deity) and Dara (wood). It was the Devadara, 

 the tree god of the Shaster, the sacred book of the 

 Hindoo religion. 



The C. Deodara with us, with its longer leaves, its 

 spiry pyramidal form, its long drooping terminal 

 shoots, is a familiar figure. These, so far — it was 

 only introduced in 1831 — are the characteristics of 

 the tree with us here. It is so common with us, 



