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Volume 3 (1858-1859) (592 pages)
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Page: of 592
392 HUTCHINGS’ CALIFORNIA MAGAZINE.
Tis height is 321 feet. The average thickness of bark was 11 inches, although in
places it was about two feet. This tree
is estimated to contain 537,000 feet of
sound inchlumber. Tothe first branch itis
137 feet. The small black marks upon
the tree indicate points where 23 in. auger
holes were bored, into which rounds were
inserted, by which to ascend and descend
while removing the bark. At different
distances upward, especially at the top,
numerous dates, and names of visitors,
have been cut. It is contemplated to construct a circular stairway around this
tree. While the bark was being removed
a young man fell from the scaffolding—
or rather out of a descending noose—
at a distance of 79 feet from the ground,
and escaped witha broken limb. We
were within a few yards of him when he
fell, and were agreeably surprised to discover that he had not broken his neck.
A short distance from the above lies
the prostrate and majestic body of the
‘“‘ Father of the Forest,” the largest tree
of the entire group, half buried in the
soil. This tree measures in circumference at the roots, 110 feet. It is 200 feet
to the first branch, the whole of which is
hollow, and through which a person can
walk erect. By the trees that were bro.
VIEW OF THE ‘‘ FATHER OF THE FOREST.”
where it was broken off by striking
against another large tree, it is eighteen
feet in diameter. Around this tree stand
the graceful yet giant trunks of numerous other trees, which form a family circle and make this the most imposing
scene in the whole grove. From its immense size, and the number of trees near,
doubtless originated the name. Near its
base is a never failing spring of cold and
delicious water.
Let us not linger here too long but pass
on to “ The Husband and Wife,” agraceful pair of trees that are leaning with apparent affection against each other. Both
of these are of the same size, and measure in circumference, at the base, about
60 feet ; and in height are about 252 feet.
A short distancefurther is ‘‘ The Burnt
tree,” which is prostrate and hollow from
numerous burnings, in which a person
can ride on horseback for 60 feet. The
estimated height of this tree when standing was 330 feet, and its circumference
97 feet. It now measures across the
roots 39 feet, 6 inches.
‘* Hercules,” another of these giants,
is 95 feet in circumference and 320 feet
high. On the trunk of this tree is cut
the name of I. M. Wooster, June, 1850, s0
that it is possible this person may some
day claim precedence
to Mr. Dowd in this
great discovery; at all
events it was through
the latter named that
the world became acguainted with the
grove.
There are many other
rees of this grove that
; Claim a passing notice;
“but inasmuch as they
very much resemble
ken off when this tree bowed its proud . each other we shall only mention them
head, in its fall, it is estimated that when . briefly.
standing it could notbe less than 435 feet
in height. 300 feet from the roots, and
The “Hermit,” a lonely old fellow, is
318 feet in height and 60 feet in circum-