ON TIMBER TREES 



We have but to recall the giant sequoia and 

 redwood of California, the largest trees existing 

 anywhere in the world, to be made aware of the 

 possibilities of growth that are present in the racial 

 strains of the family of cone-bearers. And even if 

 these giants shall be regarded as representatives 

 of an antique order that has outlived its era, there 

 remain numerous pines and firs and hemlocks of 

 magnificent proportions to test the skill of the 

 plant developer for their betterment. 



Moreover there is every probability that red- 

 wood and big tree may be crossed, and a variety 

 produced that will be adapted to the new condi- 

 tions, and which will outgrow r all other trees. 



Nothing could be easier than to cross-pollenize 

 members of this tribe, inasmuch as the pollen is 

 produced in the utmost profusion, and the pistil- 

 late flowers are exposed when mature in the 

 nascent cones awaiting fructification. That cross- 

 fertilization occurs among the wild trees through 

 the agency of the wind is a matter of course. 

 Doubtless there are hybrid species of pines and 

 their allies, everywhere often unrecognized or 

 classified as good species. Quite large forests 

 mostly composed of hybrid cypresses are found in 

 California, and the oaks are known to hybridize 

 frequently; also the eucalyptus trees of various 

 species. 



[173] 



