The wood is reddish-brown in colour, open and straight in the grain, very porous, soft and spongy in the centre, of light weight, and rather brittle; large and injurious heart and cup-shakes frequently occur in it. It is deficient in strength, whichever way it is tried, but it works up easily, shrinks only moderately, and stands exceedingly well when seasoned. It is, therefore, of great value to the modeller, the carver, the toy-maker, and the general dealer in light and small wares. Large scantlings cannot, however, be worked out of it for framing in carpentry, neither is it suitable for such employment.
Cedar timber has long enjoyed the reputation of being durable; and there is no doubt that Solomon obtained the Abies Cedrus for employment in the fitments, if not in the more solid structure, of the Temple at Jerusalem. The wood has a pleasant though peculiar odour, which is obnoxious to insects and vermin, and articles made of this material are practically free from their attacks.
The specific gravity of well-seasoned Cuba Cedar is about 439. The specific gravities of moderately-seasoned Cuba, Mexican, and Honduras Cedars are respectively 564, 640, and 664.
THE BERMUDIAN CEDAR (Juniperus Bermudiana)
is very small, and much lighter than that of Cuba. It was tried experimentally, a few years since, in the building of several brigs and schooners in the royal dockyards, but with only partial success, and the use of it was soon discontinued. It is used in the Bermudas for the building of boats and small vessels, and is in request in this country for the making of pencils.
The Cedar of Florida is similar in quality and
