gg MISC. PUBLICATION 295, U. S. DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE 



of Napoleon at St. Helena by a sea captain. (See Napoleon Willow, 

 Providence, R. I., p. 65.) 



TREES NOTABLE FOR UNUSUAL SIZE OR AGE 



Trees, the giants of the plant world, have among themselves their 

 own giants and veterans. Trees that outstrip or outlive their con- 

 temporaries become famous even when not directly associated with 

 historic events or notable persons. In the pages that follow is a 

 selected list of famous trees, the most outstanding of those claimants 

 to size and age distinction that have been reported to the Forest 

 Service. 



These heroic individuals are not confined to regions peculiarly 

 favorable to tree growth. The stories of the more than 200 trees 

 listed have come from 37 States and the District of Columbia. A 

 goodly number of species is represented. Oaks are the most numer- 

 ous, sequoias the most celebrated; elms and pines are outstanding. 



This tree history is by no means complete, and it is likely that 

 many of those who use it can make additions from their own knowl- 

 edge of trees notable for great size or age, or both. However, even 

 this partial list of tree giants and veterans will give some idea of 

 the unusual capacity for growth and endurance shown by many kinds 

 of trees. 



Which is the largest tree in the world ? 



The term '"largest" is relative. There may be many answers to 

 the question, depending on whether the criterion of size is height, 

 girth, or volume of wood content. An authentic statement also 

 would require more complete records of individual trees than have 

 been furnished in many cases. 



Different kinds of trees grow differently and vary in regard to 

 usual height, circumference of trunk, spread of branches, volume, 

 and span of life. In studying those trees with reputations for unus- 

 ual size and age, therefore, consideration has been given to the usual 

 size and age of members of the group to which the outstanding in- 

 dividual belongs, for purposes of comparison. The range of the 

 species is also considered. 



Which is the oldest tree in the world ? 



The determination of the age of the living tree is generally the 

 most difficult thing in its history. It is usually mere guesswork or 

 hearsay, depending upon association with some historic event or 

 personage or upon the memory or tradition of local residents. Defi- 

 nite record of age is found only in the count of the annual rings of 

 tree growth — succession of springwood and summerwood. Years of 

 unusual weather conditions may affect even this tree calendar. The 

 story of the annual rings is sometimes read on cores obtained by the 

 use of an increment borer, but this instrument has not been manu- 

 factured in sufficient length to reach the heart of a very large tree. 



OLD OR LARGE TREES IN THE UNITED STATES 



For a detailed study of species, growth habit, and range of different 

 trees, helpful information may be found in the following reference 

 book and publications: 



Manual of the Trees of North America, by Charles Sprague Sargent. 



