The Story

Table 
Bermuda; 1690–1720
Bermuda cedar (microanalysis)
Bequest of Henry Francis du Pont 1964.2189 

This table is attributed to Bermuda, based on the exclusive use of Bermuda cedar. Resistant to rot, insect infestation, and marine borer damage, this native species was prized by colonizers for ships, furniture, and tobacco shipping casks. Beginning in 1625, officials required tree-felling permits to protect the cedar trees, but by the 1670s, the groves had been largely depleted. Throughout the 1700s, remaining trees were used for ship building and, occasionally, furniture, bringing the species close to extinction. Today, efforts are underway to increase Bermuda cedar tree population.