THE PINE SUB-FAMILY. 221 



der Larix, we believe that botanists of the present day 

 are of the opinion that Link's view is correct, and that 

 many genera are based upon much less distinctive charac- 

 ters than is Cedrus. 



The different species belonging to this genus are natives 

 of the north of Africa, India, and Mountains of Lebanon, 

 and form beautiful, large trees. The experience of culti- 

 vators with this genus has been so adverse that it would 

 be hazardous to call any one species entirely hardy even 

 in the Middle States. 



~No genus of Conifers appears to be so whimsical in its 

 character as this ; for while we hear of plants being inva- 

 riably killed in quite warm and apparently suitable local- 

 ities, others again will stand well, and flourish beautifully 

 in a higher latitude and seemingly less favorable location. 

 Again, we occasionally find plants belonging to this genus, 

 surviving for years in a low, wet spot of ground, and mak- 

 ing yearly an astonishing growth that ripens regularly, 

 and is, to all appearance, thoroughly hardy, and then sud- 

 denly die from some unknown cause. 



We have other instances where trees, planted on the 

 north side of buildings, succeed much better than any- 

 where else in their particular neighborhoods; whilst in 

 another section, the finest plant we have ever seen is 

 growing directly facing the south, and protected by the 

 dwelling from the cold northerly winds. From our own 

 experience we should plant the Cedars in a rather warm 

 and protected situation, and on a light and well-drained 

 soil ; and in such the best success will usually be obtained. 



The Cedars form a valuable addition to our list of orna- 

 mental Conifers, where they succeed properly. There is 

 a pleasing gracefulness in the branches, and a beautiful tint 

 in the foliage of the Deodar; and the noble proportions, 

 as well as the associations connected with the history of 

 the Cedar of Lebanon, must invariably create a partiality 

 on the part of cultivators in its favor. 



