CEDAR TREE. 71 



cation smoother couched than those of the fir; within 

 these repositories, under the scales, nestle the small nut- 

 ting seeds, of a pear shape. These cones grow upon the 

 upper part of the branches, and stand erect, having a 

 strong, woody, central style, by which they are firmly 

 annexed to the branch, so as with difficulty to be taken 

 off; which central style remains upon the branch after 

 the cone is fallen to pieces, for it never drops off whole, 

 as those of the pines do." 1 



Many wonderful properties are ascribed to the wood of 

 this celebrated tree; such as its resisting putrefaction, 

 destroying noxious insects, &c. ; continuing one, or, as some 

 say, two thousand years sound ; yielding an oil famous 

 for preserving writings ; purifying the air by its effluvia ; 

 and, when used in wainscoting churches or chapels, 

 inspiring the worshippers with a solemn awe. It was 

 formerly used in embalming the dead. 



Evelyn, speaking of the timber, which, he says, is proof 

 against all putrefaction, above all other ingredients or 

 compositions of embalmers ; adds " and that by a pretty 

 contradiction, giving life as it were to the dead, and 

 destroying the worms which are living ; and, as it does 

 where any goods are kept in chests or presses of the wood, 

 excepting woollen cloth and furs, which it is observed 

 they corrupt. Whatever other property this noble tree 

 is deservedly famous for, it is said to yield an oil, which, 

 above all other, best preserves the monuments of the 

 learned, books and writings."" 



Many tilings are recorded of this wood, with regard 

 to its length of duration ; it is said, that in the Temple of 

 Apollo, at Utica, some was found that was two thousand 

 years old ; and at Legunti, in Spain, a beam was dis- 

 covered in an oratory consecrated to Diana, which was 



