Photo: H. J. Shcpstont. 



THE BIG TREES OF CALIFORNIA (Sequoia gigantea) 



Some are over 300 ft. high, and are rivalled only by the Blue Gums of Australia. They have had a longer life 

 than any other living creature. Prof. Dudley says: "Of the various trunks examined, ranging from 900 years up- 

 wards, the oldest possessed 2,425 rings, or had begun its existence 525 years before the Christian era." They are able 

 to "heal" or cover over great wounds, such as those made by fire. What the tree does is to extend or fold its living 

 tissue over the wound, and the process may take scores of years. 



