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in being bound together in a little tuft, the pines 
having seldom more than from two to five leaves in 
each sheath. 
In an interesting little work on vegetable substances, 
it is remarked of the cedar, that “ if the rapidity of its 
growth were at all correspondent with its other qualities, 
it would be the most valuable tree in the forest.” But 
probably, if its growth were quicker, it would decrease 
proportionably in value, as we generally find that those 
trees which require most time to come to maturity pro¬ 
duce the best timber; we may name, for example, our 
own glorious oak. 
No tree exceeds the cedar in durability; ages roll 
away without apparently making an impression on it. 
There is something, too, in its wood so offensive to the 
worm (that destructive little foe to most of the giants of 
the forest) as entirely to secure.it from its depredations: 
on this account, its timber was chosen by the ancients 
for the images of their gods, for embalming the bodies 
of their deceased kings and heroes, and also for die 
coffins in which they were enclosed. It is of a fine 
colour and most pleasant scent; but unless great care be 
observed in the drying of it, it is said to be liable to split. 
By what process was this defect remedied in Solomon’s 
time? for surely it must have been remedied; otherwise, 
o 2 
