Conifers Larix. 



433 



and L. leptolepis is a Japanese species, remarkable for the very 

 numerous thin reflexed scales of the small cones. 



Pseudolarix Kcvmpferi, a deciduous tree with clustered 

 needle-shaped yellowish-green leaves and small cones having 

 loose woody deciduous scales, is a native of China, very rare 

 and scarcely hardy in this country. 



4. CEDRUS. 



Noble evergreen trees with rigid scattered and clustered 

 leaves and erect oblong or oval cones rounded at the top. Scales 

 of the cones broad, thin, coriaceous, entire, closely appressed, 

 at length deciduous. Seeds winged. The species or forms 

 are natives of the Atlas, Syrian and North Indian mountains. 

 Dr. Hooker, who has had opportunities of observing them in 

 their native countries, pronounces them to be forms or races of 

 one species, whilst other accomplished botanists consider them 

 entitled to specific rank. 

 Whichever view we take 

 of the matter is of little 

 importance, because they 

 are sufficiently distinct 

 in the young state at 

 least to be easily recog- 

 nised. The ancient name 

 of the Syrian tree. 



1. C. Libani. Cedar 

 of Lebanon (fig. 218). 

 A majestic branching 

 tree with short rigid 

 deep dark green leaves 

 and oblong oval pedun- 

 culate pur pli sh ult i- 

 mately brown cones from 

 3 to 4 inches long, re- 

 maining on the tree 

 several years. Scales 

 with a somewhat mem- 

 branous margin, separa- 

 ting tardily from the axis. This species was introduced nearly 

 two centuries ago, and there are now many hundreds of fine 

 specimens in various parts of the country. It is perfectly 

 hardy, producing its cones and ripening its seeds as freely as in 



F F 



Fig. 218. Cedrns Lilani. 



