conifp:r^.. -B15 



authors, the nameisderived from Ci/parissus, sou of Tflephns, who f(jr killiu^' 

 the stag of the gods was transformed into a cypress tree, l^ie common name 

 was derived from the isle of Cvprus, where a tree of tiiis genus ahouuded. 



^"^se. — The wood of chamacyparis thyoides is light, soft, and easily worked, 

 has a fine grain, and takes a good polish. It is used in the manufacture of 

 trunks, boxes for jjreserving linen and woollen goods, shingles, and staves for 

 casks. Cabinet-makers use it for drawers in fine cabinet ware ; and large use 

 is made of the small trees by builders for scaffolding poles, — the poles being 

 light, slender, and strong. It is also used for masts for small vessels. It is 

 remarkable for its durability. The doors of St. Peter's church at Rome were 

 of cypress wood from the Levant, and were found to be quite sound after a 

 service of 1,100 years. Its peculiar l)itterness preserves it from the attacks 

 of insects, and in part explains its durability. 



