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 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] 
