Re: What is the wood Cyparis better known as ?

White cedar (Bot.), an evergreen tree of North America
     (Thuja occidentalis), also the related Cupressus
     thyoides, or Cham[ae]cyparis sph[ae]roidea, a slender
     evergreen conifer which grows in the so-called cedar
     swamps of the Northern and Atlantic States. Both are much
     valued for their durable timber. In California the name is
     given to the Libocedrus decurrens, the timber of which
     is also useful, though often subject to dry rot.
     --Goodale. The white cedar of Demerara, Guiana, etc., is a
     lofty tree (Icica, or Bursera, altissima) whose fragrant
     wood is used for canoes and cabinetwork, as it is not
     attacked by insect.

Hi Chaps,

Question as title :  I've bought some Cyparis from Phil's models and I tried to
look it up in dictionary.com and also wikipedia but no joy :-(.  Anyone know
what other names this wood is called by and how exactly it's properties compare
with balsa / spruce / basswood etc ?

Many thanks,