THE CEDAR. 239 
into larger as they advance. By cultivating the plants in 
pots their removal in safety is rendered certain, and it enables 
nurserymen to dispose of them at all seasons. It is attended, 
however, with great trouble and expense when the tree is 
grown in thousands, and, but for the reasons stated, that 
process is not necessary ; for it is found that the treatment 
usually bestowed on the larch and Scotch pine is adapted to 
the cedar; that is, transplanting the seedling plants at the 
age of either one or two years, into nursery lines, from which, 
in other two or three years, they should be removed into their 
final destination. Like all other kinds of Conifere, when 
allowed to remain more than two, or at most three years, 
without being disturbed, their roots are apt to take a wide 
range, and to become destitute of that fibrous bushiness 
which is indispensable to their successful removal. In many 
situations, weak plants, if left unprotected, are apt to be 
destroyed by vermin ; but much of the prejudice against the 
cedar, in consequence of its slow growth when young, may be 
traced to the plants being stunted in their early growth, and 
not removed soon enough into their permanent situations. 
The summit of Lebanon is nearly 10,000 feet high, and 
part of the loftiest peaks are at all seasons covered with 
snow. Near the bottom of the mountain is Beyrout, one of the 
hottest towns in all Syria, where the thermometer frequently 
stands at from 90° to 100° Fahr. during the night. The 
snow of Lebanon there forms an article of merchandise, and 
is used in cooling wines and liquors drunk by the passing 
traveller. From the immense height of the mountain a dif- 
ferent temperature prevails at various stages, as is thus 
described by the Arabian poet :—“ Lebanon bears winter on 
his head, spring upon his shoulders, and autumn in his bosom, 
while summer lies sleeping at his feet.” 
It is at the bottom of the highest peak of the mountain, 
and at an altitude of nearly 8000 feet, that the cedars are 
found. The tree is exceedingly hardy. A rich loam or sandy 
clay soil is very suitable ; but it is found to thrive on soil of 
various descriptions with an open subsoil, sufficiently above 
