REDWOOD. 



(Sequoia. ) 



These trees grow only in California. There are two 

 species: the common redwood (S. sempervirens), noted for its 

 lumber, and the big or mammoth tree (S. washingtoniand), so 

 remarkable for its great size. Geological evidence indicates 

 that the genus was once represented by many species on both 

 hemispheres, but that all disappeared during the glacial period 

 save the two here noted. 



The common redwood is a large and perfect tree and 

 supplies a wood suggesting good red cedar. This soft, light, 

 clean, reddish-brown, durable wood works and stands well, does 

 not easily take fire, and is obtainable in large-sized pieces for 

 use in large constructions. Coffins and shingles are made of 

 it, also large quantities of wooden water-pipe employed for 

 irrigation purposes. The average wood is seen in cheaper 

 forms of indoor finish, while occasional pieces, in which the 

 grain is distorted, are classed as curly redwood and used for 

 costlier decorations. See plate 33. Redwood resists fire to a 

 remarkable degree, as was evidenced in the original City of San 

 Francisco, wnere, in the absence of other materials, it was largely 

 employed for building. Redwood is so durable that fallen 

 trunks that have remained many years on the ground have been 

 sawn and used as lumber. Redwood resists many forms of 

 inject life. Redwood pipe employed in irrigation work is not 

 usually attacked by " ants " or other insects while wet and in 

 use. Staves have sometimes been injured while lying piled upon 

 the ground, but such instances are probably exceptional and 

 the injury not great. Redwood does not resist attacks by marine 

 life. The wood of Sequoia washingtonia is seldom commercially 

 distinguished from that of Sequoia sempervirens.' The unusual 

 size of redwood trees cause logging operations to be difficult and 

 costly. (See page 162.) 



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