OF NORTH CAROLINA. 161 



found in the swawps. Of this wood tables, wains- 

 cot and other necessaries are made, and esteemed 

 for its sweet smell. It is as durable a wood as any 

 we have, therefore much used in posts for houses 

 and sills; likewise, to build sloops, boards, &c., by 

 reason the worm will not touch it for several 

 years. The vessels built thereof are very durable, 

 and good swimmers. Of this cedar ship lods 

 may be exported. It has been heretofore so plen- 

 tiful in this settlement, that they have fenced in 

 plantations with it, and the coffins of the dead are 

 generally made thereof. 



"White cedar, so called because it nearly ap- 

 proaches the other cedar in smell, bark and leaf; 

 only this grows taller, being as straight as an ar- 

 row. It is extraordinary light and free to rive. 

 Tis good for yard, top masts, booms and bolt- 

 sprits, being very tough. The best shingles for 

 houses are made of this wood, it being no strain 

 to the roof and never rots. Good pails and other 

 vessels free from leakage, are likewise made 

 thereof. The bark of this and the red cedar, the 

 Indians use to make their cabins of, which prove 

 firm and resist all weathers. 



Cypress is not an evergreen with us, and is 

 therefore called the bald cypress, because the 

 leaves, during the winter season turn red, not re- 

 covering their verdure till the spring. These 

 trees are the largest for height and thickness, that 

 we have in this part of the world ; some of them 

 holding thirty-six feet in circumference. Upon 



