218 TAXODINEE 
Selaginoides has thick-set, coarse, noticeably incurved 
leaves ; and, again, the cones of the Athrotaxis are 
pretty nearly twice the size of those of the Crypto- 
meria. . 
Again, whereas the Cryptomeria can be often and 
easily seen by all who run or walk with open eye, 
the Athrotaxis must be hunted for only in Cornish 
Rivieras or in such rare spots of English earth that 
aspire to the reputation of a climate like— 
The island valley of Avilion, 
Where falls not hail, or rain, or any snow, 
Nor ever wind blows loudly. 
All the three of them—Cryptomeria, Athrotaxis, 
and Araucaria—have, however, one boast in common : 
they can trace back their lineage to a very remote 
geological period. It was, we presume, in consequence 
of these prehistoric proclivities and ancient-day 
renown that the Cryptomeria was singled out for the 
compliment paid when it was likened to a long-buried 
beauty called back to the summer lights of a new 
earth. Whether the trio were evolutions or develop- 
ments of one common ancestral form, opens up a very 
pretty question for learned men to work upon and 
*prentice hands to leave alone. 
lf we closed the chapter here it might be urged, 
and in justice too, that we had hardly given the 
Cryptomeria its due, a claim neither denied to the 
regnant power of darkness nor lowliest criminal 
before the Bar. 
Travellers of botanical knowledge and arboricul- 
tural research have one and all proclaimed its 
greatness. Native Japs lave echoed their voice, and 
told us of its many uses. As a utilitarian member 
of the Woodwork Arts and Crafts Association it ranks 
high, and is computed by them as near next in wood 
value to their priceless Cypress (C. Obtusa), 
