24 HARDY CONIFEROUS TREES. 



Ccdrus atlantica, Manettf. {Synonyms: Ahies at- 

 lantica, Lindley and Gordon ; Pinus cedrns atlantica, Parlatore ; 

 Cedrus africana^ Gordon.) Algeria. 1841. In a young 

 state particularly this is hardly recognisable from the better 

 known C. Liba7ii, although after a few years' growth its erect 

 habit and rigid branches are sufficient means of identification. 

 As an ornamental tree, it cannot compare with the Lebanon 

 cedar, although as a forest tree it may be preferable, produc- 

 ing more valuable timber, and having less inclination to 

 ramify into stout and unwieldy branches. For the latter 

 reason alone it is valuable, for while the branches of the 

 Lebanon cedar suffer much from wind and snow, those of 

 C. atlantica remain unharmed, their less length and weight, as 

 also upward inclination, freeing them from injury. 



In exposed situations, and where the soil is naturally stiff, 

 the Mount Atlas cedar makes a sturdy growth, and for this 

 reason it is now much sought after for planting on bleak and 

 exposed park grounds. Little is yet known regarding the 

 value of the timber as produced in this country, too short time 

 having elapsed since the introduction of the tree for this to 

 have approached maturity. That it is superior to wood of the 

 Lebanon cedar in trees of equal age I am, however, convinced, 

 and there can be little doubt that in years to come, when 

 maturity has been nearly attained, it will be found of 

 some value for constructive purposes. Generally throughout 

 this country it does well, and specimens fully 70 feet high are 

 now to be seen. Rarely if ever does the African cedar throw 

 weight into the branches, it being far more inclined to rush 

 up straight, and expend its energy in the building up of a 

 clean and well-balanced stem. The branches, too, are short 

 and lithe in comparison with those of the Lebanon tree, and 

 well covered with shorter and more spiny foliage. The cones 

 are ovate and depressed at the ends, nearly 3 inches long, and 

 when ripe are of a chocolate-brown colour. It grows more 

 rapidly than the Lebanon, and is destitute of the flat or table- 

 headed appearance that is so characteristic a feature of that 

 tree. Owing to its having a small branch spread in propor- 



