THE FIR AND CYPRESS FAMILY. 



197 



his Temple with. But it is doubtful if the word cedar 

 was not also applied to other trees, and which is probably 

 the abundance of fine oak and other timber was 



more conveniently obtained in the vicinity of Mount Le- 

 banon, than in getting cedar trees through the difficult 

 passes from the cedar regions which, according to modern 

 measurement, is an elevated plain of 6172 feet above the 

 level of the sea. The area now occupied does not exceed a 

 quarter of a mile in diameter, on which grow in nine groups, 

 about 400 trees. They vary from 18 inches to 14 feet in 

 diameter, and the oldest is supposed to be two thousand five 

 hundred years old, which, if correct, proves that none of 

 these trees were growing in the time of Solomon. The cedar 

 was introduced to this country not more than two hundred 

 years ago ; the once fine trees in the vicinity of the Pagoda 

 at Kew being about one hundred and twenty years old. In 

 this country its timber is not in much repute. 



Deodar (Cedrus Deodara). A native of the Himalayan 

 mountains, where it forms large forests, some trees attaining 

 the height of 100 feet. Its timber is much valued and used 

 in India. It was introduced to this country in 1831. When 

 young it grows freely, but is liable to suffer in severe win- 

 ters, and it is probable it will never equal the Cedar of 

 Lebanon as an ornamental tree in this country. 



Atlas Cedar (^Cedrus Atlanticd). A native of the Atlas 

 mountains in Algeria. It attains a large size, and has been 

 introduced to this country ; the leaves are longer than the 

 Deodar or Cedar, and it is of faster growth. Some writers 

 consider this and the two preceding as only varieties of one 

 species, but whether they are from one original, and their 

 present apparent distinctions consequent on climate, it is im- 

 possible to ascertain. 



Cryptomeria Japmica. A lofty evergreen tree, native of 

 Japan and North China, where its timber is used for many 

 purposes. It was introduced in 1843, and being hardy, 

 a free grower, and of graceful habit, forms an ornamental 

 tree. 



