320 BRECK'S BOOK OF FLOWERS. 



foliage differs from all the other cone-bearing trees, by the 

 delicacy of its texture ; late in autumn it turns to a soft, 

 leather-yellow color, and, in the first days of November, falls. 

 The Larch is in foliage very early in the spring, and forms a 

 rich contrast to the dark evergreens. The lower branches of 

 the Larch should never be pruned off; as the great beauty of 

 the tree consists in its being clothed to the ground with its rich 

 foliage. 



There is a variety, called the Weeping Larch, (Larix pen- 

 dula,} which is still more beautiful than either of the others. 

 The foliage is much larger; the branches somewhat drooping. 



Larix cedrus. Cedar of Lebanon, This magnificent 

 evergreen tree, of the Larch family, is reputed to be a little ten- 

 der in New England ; but, planted where it may receive pro- 

 tection from our more hardy evergreen trees, we have no doubt 

 it will stand without any difficulty, after it has become well 

 established. In the Middle and Southern States there is no 

 doubt but it will thrive and grow for centuries, as it is said it 

 does in its native country. " It is unquestionably the most 

 celebrated tree of the genus, and not less remarkable for the 

 irregular grandeur of its form. The general character of its 

 shoot, even when the tree is young, is singularly bold and pic- 

 turesque, and quite different from that of every other species of 

 the tribe. It is a native of the coldest parts of the mountains 

 of Libanus, Amanus and Taurus ; but it is now to be found in 

 those places in great numbers. The great use of the cedar is 

 to plant singly on lawns, or in the margin of plantations, where 

 one or two specimens will give force and character to the dull- 

 est front of round-headed trees." (London.} 



Mr. Downing says: "The most remarkable peculiarity in 

 the Cedar of Lebanon is the horizontal disposition of its wide- 

 spreading branches. This is riot apparent in very young trees, 

 but soon becomes so as they begin to develop large heads. 

 Though in altitude this tree is exceeded by some of the pines 

 lately discovered in Oregon, which reach truly gigantic 

 heights, yet, in breadth and massiveness, it far exceeds all ever 



