32 CONIFEROUS TREES 



ferable, producing more valuable timber and 

 having less inclination to ramify into stout and 

 unwieldy branches. For the latter reason alone 

 it is valuable, for while the branches of the Lebanon 

 Cedar suffer much from wind and snow, those of 

 C. atlantica remain unharmed, their less length 

 and weight, as also upward inclination, freeing 

 them from injury. 



In exposed situations, and where the soil is 

 naturally stiff, the Mount Atlas Cedar makes a 

 sturdy growth, and for this reason it is now much 

 sought after for planting on bleak and exposed 

 park grounds. Little is yet known regarding the 

 value of the timber as produced in this country, 

 too short time having elapsed since the introduction 

 of the tree for this to have approached maturity. 

 That it is superior to wood of the Lebanon Cedar 

 in trees of equal age I am, however, convinced, 

 and there can be little doubt that in years to come, 

 when maturity has been nearly attained, it will be 

 found of some value for constructive purposes. 

 Generally throughout this country it does well, 

 and specimens fully 70 feet high are now to be seen. 

 Rarely if ever does the African Cedar throw weight 

 into the branches, it being far more inclined to 

 rush up straight, and expend its energy in the 

 building up of a clean and well-balanced stem. 

 The branches, too, are short and lithe in com- 

 parison with those of the Lebanon tree, and well 

 covered with shorter and more spiny foliage. The 

 cones are ovate and depressed at the ends, nearly 

 3 inches long, and when ripe are of a chocolate 

 brown colour. It grows more rapidly than the 

 Lebanon, and is destitute of the flat or table- 



