Note 30 — Chapter V · SECOND JOURNEY IN EUROPE.—CORRESPONDENCE. 1850-1859.
Reading edition
On the 2d July, 1872, Dr. Gray saw the Calaveras and Mariposa groves. In the Calaveras Grove he counted, with one of his fellow-travelers, the rings and took measurements of the fallen tree “Hercules.” His memoranda of the size, etc., were:—
Height when standing was 315 feet.
A section at 21 feet from ground was 6 feet 10½ inches radius, on the line counted.
LayersRate of growth.
Counted on it1,500First century10¼ in. radius
Uncounted sapwood (est.)30“ 400 years27¼ “ “
“ centre “10Last century3½ “ “
Growth to 21 feet “10Last 400 years14 “ “
Estimated age (years)1550