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CYPRESSES. 
The researches of botanists have made us acquainted -with only seven 
species of Cypress, of which two belong to the New Continent and are 
indigenous to the United States. Among the exotic species, the Pyramidi- 
cal Cypress, Cupressus fastigiata, deserves attention in the Southern 
States. This tree has been celebrated from antiquity for the excellence 
of its wood and the singularity of its form. From the gloomy appearance 
of its tufted branches, compressed about the trunk and charged with dark, 
impenetrable foliage, it was consecrated to funeral solemnities, and planted 
about temples and tombs. 
“ The Pyramidical Cypress, originally from Crete, is 30 or 40 feet in 
height, smooth, and free from the defect observed in the Virginian Cedar, 
of cracking at the insertion of the limbs. The wood is hard, odoriferous, 
of an uniform texture and a brilliant red complexion. Pliny affirms that 
it is very durable, and that its color is unchangeable : Cariem vetustatemque 
noh sentit Cupressus Materia s nitor maximè valet seternus. Plin : 
lib. 16, cap. 40. Formerly the rarest and most precious objects were 
preserved in boxes of Cypress, and we are informed that the doors of St. 
Peter’s at Rome which had lasted 1200 years, from Constantine to Eugene 
IV., were of this wood. It is also employed for tables, musical instru- 
ments and the tubes of organs. The fruit, which is known by the name 
of Cypress nut , is employed in medicine as an astringent : and Pliny 
assures us that the leaves pounded and mingled with seeds preserve them 
from worms. 
“ The Cypress is multiplied from the seed, which is the best method ; by 
layers and by slips. In the beginning of spring the seeds are sown and 
lightly covered in vessels filled with mould and sand. The young plants 
must be kept in the shade and protected from the frost. To obtain good 
seed, Duhamel says that in March or April we should select the cones 
which begin to open, and store them in a dry place ; the seeds which fall 
out are the best; those which are obtained by opening the cones very rarely 
germinate.” — Desfontaines, Hist, des Arb. et Arbriss. tom. 2, p. 567. 
