134 TSUGA, OR HEMLOCK SPRUCE FIRS 
the Hebrew word erez, derived from an Arab root, 
and a word applying to a firmly rooted and a strong 
tree. From el erez to Larch is a corruption and 
contraction that may easily have arisen. 
The Greek word Aapifé makes appearance, duly 
entered and certified in authorized Greek Lexicons, 
and is translated ‘‘ the Larch tree '’; so the name 
of such a tree is one of respectable antiquity whatever 
else may be conjectured about, its antecedents. 
But whoever was responsible for the name—He- 
brew, Arabian, Greek, or Pelasgian—it would not 
have been inappropriate if it had been traced ety- 
mologically to the Etruscan word Jar, which repre- 
sented the tutelary overlord and genius of the des- 
tinies of the household. The two. words may have 
no—or even have not—remote connection, but had 
the derivation held good ‘it would have been no mis- 
nomer, for the Larch has certainly earned an 
honoured position among the Lares and Penates of 
many who own broad acres of woodlands, and done 
its bit for those who occupy great territorial 
possessions. 
We have been told how the clansmen of the house 
of Argyll were wont to shower religious blessings on 
their chieftain, and cry aloud in gratitude ‘‘ God bless 
the Duke of Argyll,’”’ as they rubbed shoulders against 
the posts he had erected for their creature comforts, 
or the creature comforts more primarily intended 
for use, we opine, among their more bestial brethren 
of the animal kingdom. 
With tenser impulse still must successive genera- 
tions of another ennobled (Scottish) house have, we 
think, had reason many times to bless the memory, 
and cry aloud their gratitude, when they remembered 
their progenitor, the 4th Duke of Atholl. 
The Planting Duke, John the Planter, or the Tree 
Monger, as he was variously called, it has been 
