176 SYLVA FLORIFERA. 



agrees with the former in its foliation, with 

 the latter in being evergreen. 



It is pretended that these trees purify the 

 air by their effluvia : the wood, when made 

 into wardrobes or chests, certainly preserves 

 clothes from insects, which are generally 

 found to avoid perfumes and bitter wood. 

 We are told that its smell inspires worshippers 

 with a solemn awe, when used in wainscotting 

 churches or chapels. It may possibly have this 

 effect on the Hebrews and the Catholics, who 

 are accustomed to burn incense in their religi- 

 ous ceremonies ; and the Protestant, when he 

 meets with this timber in a place of worship, 

 naturally has his mind carried back to the 

 first temple that was erected to the true God. 

 " It is matter of surprise to me," says Miller, 

 " that this tree has not been more cultivated in 

 England, since it would be a great ornament 

 to barren bleak mountains, where few other 

 trees will grow so well, it being a native of 

 the coldest parts of Mount Libanus, where 

 the snow continues great part of the year. 

 From the observations I have made of the 

 trees now growing in England, I find that 

 such as have been planted in a strong, rich, 

 loamy earth, have made a poor progress, in 

 comparison with those which have grown 

 upon a stony meagre soil." 



