PINACE.E 205 



species by the ill-defined white markings of the foliage and by 

 the lateral leaves being larger than the glandular facial leaves. 

 In spring the pink or crimson staminate flowers will often dis- 

 tinguish it at sight. 



It occurs as a wild tree in the coniferous forests of S. W. Oregon 

 and N.W. California in a very moist climate, being most abun- 

 dant and luxuriant in a region below 3,000 ft. altitude where 

 it comes under the influence of ocean winds. Its associates are 

 Douglas fir, Sitka spruce, hemlock, and Thuya. Murray first 

 sent seeds to Britain in 1854, the recipients being Messrs. Lawson 

 of Edinburgh. 



Wood light in weight, white or light yellow, close and compact, 

 moderately strong, very durable, finishes with a glossy surface, 

 easily worked, and with a pleasant but peculiar lasting, spicy 

 odour. Howard ^ reports that its oily character is inclined to clog 

 tools, necessitating constant attention to sharpening. It is one 

 of the most valuable timbers of W.N. America. The wood is 

 used for building purposes, interior finish of houses, flooring, 

 boat-building, railway sleepers, furniture, fence -posts, matches, 

 and to some extent in the construction of aircraft. When used 

 for linings and drawers in chests and cabinets, it is credited with 

 keeping away moths and other insects. The fragrant essential 

 oil contained in the wood is stated to be a powerful diuretic, and 

 this property is so active that workmen in factories where it is 

 being sawn and worked have occasionally to change to other 

 woods. 2 



The Lawson cypress is one of the most useful conifers we have. 

 It will grow on almost any soil, and is unaffected by the severest 

 frost. Its extreme hardiness in this country is remarkable, 

 considering the mildness of the climate in which it grows naturally. 

 It is one of the most popular of evergreens, and there are few 

 gardens where it is not represented by one or other of its varieties. 

 Trial plantations of Lawson cypress have been started under 

 forest conditions in some parts of the country, but so far there 

 is little information as to its adaptabihty or otherwise for the 

 purpose. Timber produced by ornamental trees is of good 

 quality, and Elwes and Henry ^ refer to 30 acres of forest plots 

 of this species in Prussia, where after 20 years' experience the 

 wood grown is as good as that produced in Oregon. The variable 

 character of the species under cultivation suggests that consider- 

 able care should be exercised in the selection of seed trees for raising 

 plants for sylvicultural work, only the best-grown trees being 

 selected, and those in isolated positions for preference. It is a 

 light-demanding tree, and recommendations have been made 



1 Timbers of the World, 54 (1920). 



* Hough, American Woods, x, 241, pp. 41-42. 



3 Trees oj Great Brit, and Ireland, v, 1207 (1910). 



