222 THE BOOK OF EVERGREENS. 



The name of this genus is supposed to be derived from 

 the brook Cedron, in Judea, a locality where the C. Libani 

 is very abundant. London quotes the following deriva- 

 tions from other authors kaio, I burn, in allusion to the 

 use of the wood for incense. From the Arabic Jcedroum 

 or Jcedre, power. 



! C. Atlantica, Mamtti. AFRICAN, SILVER, OR MT. AT- 

 LAS CEDAR. Syn. C. argentea, London / C. Africana, Gor- 

 don; C. elegans, ^Knight. Leaves, varying from -^ to f- of 

 an inch long, mostly cylindrical, straight, rigid, mucronate, 

 crowded, and beautiful glaucous-green color. Branches, 

 numerous, slender, and mostly horizontal. Cones, from 2|- 

 to 3 inches long, ovate, resiniferous, and glossy ; scales, 

 closely appressed, flat, smooth, coriaceous. Seeds, small, 

 soft, angular, with long, transparent wings. 



A beautiful species of large size, from the Atlas range 

 of mountains, in the northern portion of Africa, at eleva- 

 tions varying from 7,000 to 9,000 feet, where it forms a 

 tree from 80 to 100 feet high. 



The African Cedar is specifically distinct from the Cedar 

 of Lebanon, and although resembling the latter in general 

 appearance, it must not be considered as a mere variety, 

 because it is so nearly allied. The acute M. Decaisne has 

 declared emphatically that this plant is a true species, and 

 distinct from G. Libani. The same botanist records the 

 following interesting notes, taken by M. P. Jamin, director 

 of the nursery at Biskara. "Cedars begin to appear at three- 

 fourths up the slope of Fougour, where they produce a mag- 

 nificent effect, and form a thick forest up to the very sum- 

 mit of the peak. It is not uncommon to find specimens 40 

 yards high, and 1^- yards in diameter at the but. The 

 two species live together, but they are distinguished at 

 first sight. The Silver Cedar was covered with ripe 

 cones; on that of Lebanon they were more behind, and' 

 flowers were still visible on some of the branches. The 

 habit of the Silver Cedar is that of the Silver Fir it i* 



