I!)G 
he, who knew so perfectly the properties of the whole 
vegetable world, would never have chosen it, not only 
for the floors and ceilings of his magnificent temple, but 
also for the walls ot the inner house; the chambers also 
“which he built against the house rested on the house 
with timber of cedars.” 
The cedar was introduced into England about one 
hundred and fifty years ago; but, though so ornamental 
and so patient of our climate, it has hitherto been but 
sparingly cultivated. It likes humidity of soil and 
atmosphere, a circumstance not overlooked in the sacred 
writings: — “How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and 
thy tabernacles, O Israel! as the valleys are they spread 
forth, as cedar-trees beside the waters.” 
We are, however, so accustomed to connect it with 
mountain scenery, from its being so constantly associated 
with Lebanon, that it is almost difficult to imagine it 
adorning the plain; but it seems as if it would thrive, 
with a very little care, in any situation ; and perhaps, if 
the attention of cultivators be properly drawn towards 
it, we shall see it completely naturalised amongst us, 
and mingling its patrician dignity with the more sturdy 
robustness of the oak. From its own peculiar habitat, 
Mount Lebanon, the cedar has now almost entirely dis¬ 
appeared; a very small number of trees, and some of 
