The Giant Trees of California. 



313 



1281. la its native region, it is considerably elevated above the 

 sea level, and in summer it is warm and dry, with scarcely any rain. 

 In winter the snows fall six feet or more in depth, and remain on 

 till May. 



1282. The " big trees" range from 250 to 360 feet in height, and 

 from 40 to 64 feet in circumference. The bark is reddish-brown, 

 and about two feet thick, and the wood soft, and much like that of 

 the common white cedar in quality. 



152. Sequoia sempervirens: Leaves, Cone, and Male Flowers of the 



natural size. Both forms of the leaves are shown in this 

 engraving. 



1283. The red-wood, although second in size, is first in value, be- 

 cause more abundant and of exceedingly fine quality for joinery and 

 all other uses for which the pine is commonly employed. The wood 

 is not strong, but is durable, and has a reddish tint like red cedar ; 



