98 ESSAY UPCN REDWOOD. 



Redwood really so nearly covers all our houses and out- 

 side work generally, as scarcely to leave an exception ; that 

 is, in the form of rustic, siding, batting, shakes and shingles, 

 and even inside finish, such as tongued and grooved ceilings, 

 and to some extent flooring, besides much furniture and cabi- 

 net work, largely ; also, as wainscoting, cornices, mouldings 

 and the like, besides an immense amount of rail ties, and all 

 sorts of fencing in short, everywhere, when removed from 

 great strain, or much friction, and where great durability is 

 required. There is, also, little timber known that equals its 

 resistance to climatic changes and to trying exposures. 



But now nearing their exit -as these mighty monarchs 

 bow their departure from the boards of the Great Theatre, 

 we are fain to recall the sacred prophet's divine apostro- 

 phe : " Howl, fir tree, for the cedar is fallen !" The shocked 

 earth doth groan and murmur her moan at the sound of their 

 fall ! Prone, and full oft crushed to the earth, they lie the 

 lengthened ruin of a thousand years ! hopeless, yet reaching 

 out abroad ; here and there broken, shattered and spread 

 along the vale ! Anon in solemn state they join the fated pro- 

 cession and pass away ! Canst witness the sad havoc, and 

 feel no pained interest nay, great solicitude ? How shall 

 these great storehouses of uses manifold be again restored ? 

 Where now is the repairer of the breach into by-gone labors 

 the restorer of the ancient wise paths to walk in ? Our 

 German exemplars are never allowed to cut down one, like 

 these, without planting and cherishing another! Therein 

 we behold, at least, some small offering of acceptable incense 

 upon the altar of justice a right reverend regard to the sa- 



