292 OUR NATIONAL PARKS 



these fires recur only at considerable intervals, 

 and because Sequoia ditches, after being cleared, 

 are often left unplanted for centuries, it becomes 

 evident that the trunk remnant in question may 

 have been on the ground a thousand years or 

 more. Similar vestiges are common, and to- 

 gether with the root-bowls and long straight 

 ditches of the fallen monarchs, throw a sure light 

 back on the post-glacial history of the species, 

 bearing on its distribution. One of the most in- 

 teresting features of this grove is the apparent 

 ease and strength and comfortable independ- 

 ence in which the trees occupy their place in 

 the general forest. Seedlings, saplings, young 

 and middle-aged trees are grouped promisingly 

 around the old patriarchs, betraying no sign of 

 approach to extinction. On the contrary, all 

 seem to be saying, " Everything is to our mind 

 and we mean to live forever." But, sad to tell, 

 a lumber company was building a large mill and 

 flume near by, assuring widespread destruction. 

 In the cones and sometimes in the lower portion 

 of the trunk and roots there is a dark gritty sub- 

 stance which dissolves readily in water and yields 

 a magnificent purple color. It is a strong astrin- 

 gent, and is said to be used by the Indians as a big 

 medicine. Mr. Nelder showed me specimens of 

 ink he had made from it, which I tried and found 

 good, flowing freely and holding its color well. 

 Indeed everything about the tree seems constant. 



