The juniper tree belongs to the natural order Coniferae, and is useful, both for its wood and its berries. The Virginian species, which is called red cedar, affords a light and durable material valuable in ship-building. It attains the height of about 30 feet, and grows well in barren soil. The berries used for flavouring gin are obtained from the Juniperus communis, and about 200 tons of them are annually imported to this country. They are also used for imparting pungency to beer. When roasted and ground, they afford a substitute for coffee. The oil of juniper is an important ingredient in varnish for pictures, wood-work, &c. The berries have also a diuretic property, and are used in medicine. The heavy duty to which they were subject was abolished in 1845. See Botany; nat. ord. 220. Coniferae.