348 THE BOOK OF EVERGREENS. 



which, in many instances, constitute delightful localities 

 for the enthusiastic botanist. . 



In speaking of these swamps, Michaux says : " The trees 

 stand so thick in them that the light can hardly penetrate 

 the foliage, and in their gloomy shade spring at- every 

 step tufts of the Dwarf Rose Bay, Honeysuckle, and An- 

 dromeda, whose luxuriant vegetation proves that they de- 

 light in dark and humid exposures." In addition to these, 

 the orchidaceous plants unfold their c;or2;eous blossoms 



A O ~ 



beneath this leafy canopy, and the rarer Cryptogamia en- 

 joy its protecting shade. 



The White Cedar rarely exceeds 70 or 80 feet in height, 

 with a straight, tapering trunk, and when growing in close, 

 compact masses, the branches are scattered and the head 

 open and straggling. When solitary, however, we have 

 seen specimens of this tree that were far from inelegant. 

 Its general appearance resembles both a Juniper and an 

 Arbor Vitas ; and Emerson remarks in his excellent book 

 on the Trees of Massachusetts, " This graceful and beau- 

 tiful tree connects the Arbor Vitoe with the Cypresses, 

 having the characters of both ; the scale-like, imbricated 

 leaves and fan-shaped branches of the former, and the lofty 

 port and globular or many-sided fruit of the latter." 



One of the neatest and most tasteful evergreen hedges 

 that we have ever seen was formed of this plant, and is 

 growing in the fine collection of the late Wm. Reid, at 

 Elizabcthtown, N. J. For this purpose it is much superior 

 to our common Red Cedar, (Juntperus Virginiana,} the 

 latter becoming open and defective with age. 



The wood of the White Cedar is exceedingly durable and 

 easily worked, and in regard to its value, Michaux observes : 

 " The wood is light, soft, fine-grained, and easily wrought. 

 When perfectly seasoned, and exposed for some time to the 

 light, it is of a rosy hue. It has a strong aromatic odor,which 

 it preserves as long as it is guarded from humidity. The 

 perfect wood resists the succession of dry ness and moisture 



