THE BIG TREE OF CALIFORNIA 



On the west wall of Darwin Hall are sections of the coast redwood and Big Tree of California. The/tags 

 on the latter indicate historical events that occurred during the life of the tree. [See Guide Leaflet No. 8] 



This individual Big Tree which was 300 feet high grew for 1341 years, from 550 to 1891, when it was cut and 

 brought to the Museum. It was nearly a thousand years old when Columbus came to America and more than a 

 thousand when Harvey discovered the circulation of the blood 



This largest, oldest, most majestic tree in the world exists only in ten small forests — groves they should 

 almost be caUed — on the western slope of the Sierras. The trees are in large part under government control, 

 so may continue to live through several generations of men 



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