25
CYPRESS d .
1. This is either the Sative or Garden-tree, the most pyramidal andbeautiful; or that which is called the Male, though somewhat preposte-rously, which bears the small cones, but is of a more extravagant shape.Should we reason only from our common experience, even the Cyprefs-tree was, but within a few years past, reputed so tender and nice a plant,that it was cultivated with the greatest care, and to be found only
A Of this genus there are four species:
1- CUPRESSUS (sempervjrens ) foliis imbricatis, frondibus quadrangulis. Lin. Sp.
PI. 1422. Cujwefsus, C. B. P. 488. Evergreen upright cypress.
This tree is very common in most of our old gardens, but at present is rather neglected. Itadds a considerable beauty to wildernefses and clumps of Evergreens, and is reported to bevaluable on account of its wood. There is a variety of this tree, entitled, by Tournefort ,Cuprefsus ramos extra se spargens s. mas. Inst. 587. It is commonly called the Male spreadingCyprefs, and is the most common timber in some parts of the Levant. It is considerablylarger than the Upright sort. If planted upon a warm grave'ly soil it will prosper wonder-fully ; though not so finely shaped as the female, it makes up for that defect by its vigorousgrowth and strength, resisting all weathers. It is very proper to intermix with Evergreensof a second size next to Pines, to form clumps ; in which clafs it will keep pace with the treesof the same line, and be very handsome: Besides, the wood of this tree is very valuable,.when grown to a size fit for planks.-In the islands of the Archipelago , as Mr. Evelyn in-
forms us, it was customary', upon the birth of a daughter, to plant a Cnprefselum or grove ofCyprefs-trees, to be given her for a portion. Hence every plantation of this kind w'as calledDos Fitite, or a Daughter’s Dower . Were Gentlemen in this country to imitate this practicewith other trees, they might provide handsome fortunes for their younger children withoutincumbering their estates. This species of Cyprefs continues many years before it comes todecay. At this present time (1776) there are growing in the garden of the Palace of,Generalife at Granada , several superb and lofty Cyprefses, which it is well known were largetrees in the reign of Audeli, the last Moorish King, three hundred years ago. These treesare still called Los Cyprefses de la Reyna Sultana, from that Princefs having been falselyaccused of committing adultery under thenrwith Albin Hamel Abaicerrage, as we read in.the Guerras Citiles de Granada.
2. CUPRESSUS (disticha) foliis distichis patentibus. Lin. Sp. PL 1422. Cuprefsus-;
Americana. Cat. Car. 1. Cuprefsus Virginiana, foliis acacia: deciduis. Holt. Arnst. i...
p. 113. The DECIDUOUS CYPRESS.
This kind of Cyprefs, if stationed in a place suitable to its nature, will grow to the height-ofsixty feet. It is very hardy in respect to cold. In Virginia and several parts of America, ,where this tree is a native, it is a real aquatic, being found growing to a very large size in -places w'holly covered with water ; and with us, if planted in watery places, by the edges of:nvers, ponds, springs, &c. it will be more luxuriant, and will proportionally arise to a greater.