BIG TREES OF CALIFORNIA, THE Part 2
Description
The original catalog description provided by the Ford Motor Company reads as follows: “The oldest and largest of living things in the world are the ‘Sequoia Washingtoniana,’ the big trees of California. These giants are preserved in several national parks.” Map of California showing location of several national parks. “John Muir, father of the big trees, says there are more than a million of these wonderful trees in our parks. A diameter of 20 feet and a height of 275 feet is common for the mature trees.” Tourists in cars driving along road at base of trees. “The Sequoia has few branches and those are near the top. Some of the branches are six feet in diameter.” Close-up of large branch - view of tree. “The big trees are over 4,000 years old. The rings of annual growth are easily counted to prove their age. The stump is large enough for a ballroom floor. Trees that have fallen have been used for a dwelling.” Tourists walking through tunnel in felled tree - walking on top of fallen tree - tourists looking at roots of fallen tree. “So priceless are these wonderful trees that the United States government appropriated a large sum to save them from destruction.” Tourists playing near base of trees. “The largest of these giant trees is General Sherman, which is 279 feet high and 102 feet in circumference.” “Near the General Sherman tree is a lodge for the keeper and visitors. The General Grant tree stands nearby. These two giant trees are the oldest of living things on earth.” Tourists in cars stopping in front of lodge, entering. “The Sequoia has a powerful stately trunk with cinnamon brown bark. It rises without a branch within 100 feet of the ground. The foliage is dense and feathery. The wood is almost indestructible by decay. These trees are twins.” View of two trees side by side. “The Confederate Group of big trees is clustered about General Jackson as a leader.” Tourists near base of trees. “The Grizzly Giant was so called because of its rugged trunk. It is more than 85 feet in circumference.” Tourists looking at tree, wire fence around base. “Some of the trees are large enough to accommodate a stagecoach and in one place a tunnel for the road has been cut through a tree.” Tourists playing in snow near tunnel through tree. “The Sequoia is the masterpiece of all forest trees. It is a living witness of human progress.” View of tourists playing near base of tree - coming out of large opening in tree - playing in opening under tree. “The End.” “Ford Educational Library.” [1923]
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