114 AS CALIFORNIA FLOWERS GROW 



In many places, it would not be possible for 

 smaller plants to exist if the hardier trees had not 

 for centuries been inserting their roots into rocks, 

 forcing them apart so that by wind and weather 

 they are ground into particles. Then, the leaves off 

 the tree, cast aside when their work is done, mix 

 with these particles, and finally make a soil in which 

 their weaker sisters can hold a footing. In this way, 

 our Sierran peaks have been converted from bare, 

 stony masses into smiling flower beds. 



In return for the benefits the trees confer upon 

 mankind, we treat them very scurvily. Lumbering 

 is their greatest enemy, against which they can form 

 no defensive habits. To lumbering, under scientific 

 methods, there can be no objection. Civilization 

 demands buildings and furniture; but it is to the 

 deforesting of a district and the useless destruction 

 of a species that the tree-lovers are opposed. In 

 general, only mature trees should be cut, leaving 

 enough standing not to interfere with the water sup- 

 ply. In the cutting, clear room should be left, so 

 that the young trees will have plenty of space in 

 which to tower. When it comes to a unique species 

 like the Sequoia gigantea, what better tribute to our 

 own sense than to let them stand unharmed for 

 future generations to enjoy? Their wood is so soft 

 it does not make durable lumber; and, as grapevine 

 supports are not now supposed to be so necessary, 



