REDWOOD. 



{Sequoia.) 



These trees grow only in California. There are two 

 species: the common redwood (S. sempervirens) , noted for its 

 lumber, and the big or mammoth tree (5. washingioniana), so 

 remarkable for its great size. Geological evidence indicates 

 that the genus was once represented by many species on both 

 hemispheres, but that all disappeared during the glacial period 

 save the two here noted. 



The common redwood is a large and perfect tree and 

 supplies a wood suggesting good red cedar. This soft, light, 

 clean, reddish-brown, durable wood works and stands well, is 

 not easily inflamed, and is obtainable in large-sized pieces for 

 use in large constructions. Coffins and shingles are made of 

 it, also large quantities of wooden water-pipe employed for 

 irrigation purposes. The average wood is seen in cheaper 

 forms of indoor finish, while occasional pieces, in which the 

 grain is distorted, are classed as curly redwood and used for 

 costlier decorations. 



Big or Mammoth trees have been measured up to three 

 hundred and twenty feet in height and thirty-five feet in 

 diameter (Sargent). They are thus the largest of American 

 trees and the most massive, although not the tallest, of all 

 trees. Specimens twenty-five feet in diameter have been 

 estimated as thirty-six hundred years old, and it is thought 

 that under favorable conditions trees can survive for five 

 thousand years, or even longer. The oldest trees are sound 

 throughout. The almost incombustible bark is nearly two 

 feet in thickness; the wood is brittle, but otherwise resembles 

 ordinary redwood. It should be noted that large exceptional 

 trees are all known, and that most of them have names such 

 as the "Pride of the Forest," the "Grizzly Giant," and the 

 " U. S. Grant." These, with younger trees, are grouped in 



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