2i8 TAXODINE^ 



Selaginoides has thick-set, coarse, noticeably incurved 

 leaves ; and, again, the cones of the Athrotaxis are 

 pretty nearly twice the size of those of the Crypto- 

 meria. 



Again, whereas the Cryptomeria can be often and 

 easily seen by all who run or walk with open eye, 

 the Athrotaxis must be hunted for only in Cornish 

 Rivieras or in such rare spots of English earth that 

 aspire to the reputation of a climate like — 



The island valley of Avilion, 



Where falls not hail, or rain, or any snow, 



Nor ever wind blows loudly. 



All the three of them — Cryptomeria, Athrotaxis, 

 and Araucaria — have, how^ever, one boast in common : 

 they can trace back their lineage to a very remote 

 geological period. It was, we presume, in consequence 

 of these prehistoric proclivities and ancient-day 

 renown that the Cryptomeria was singled out for the 

 compliment paid when it was likened to a long-buried 

 beauty called back to the summer lights of a new 

 earth. Whether the trio were evolutions or develop- 

 ments of one common ancestral form, opens up a very 

 pretty question for learned men to work upon and 

 'prentice hands to leave alone. 



If we closed the chapter here it might be urged, 

 and in justice too, that we had hardly given the 

 Cryptomeria its due, a claim neither denied to the 

 regnant power of darkness nor lowliest criminal 

 before the Bar. 



Travellers of botanical knowledge and arboricul- 

 tural research have one and all proclaimed its 

 greatness. Native Japs have echoed their voice, and 

 told us of its many uses. As a utilitarian member 

 of the Woodwork Arts and Crafts Association it ranks 

 high, and is computed by them as near next in wood 

 value to their priceless Cypress (C. Obtusa), 



