My dear departed brother-in-law George was a member of the Royal Society. Following the Abstract, a very interesting discussion of the history and distribution of sequoias in the UK. Sequoia sempervirens, our coastal redwoods, are also mentioned.
"The Royal Society, formally The Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge, is a learned society and the United Kingdom's national academy of sciences.[1] The society fulfills a number of roles: promoting science and its benefits, recognising excellence in science, supporting outstanding science, providing scientific advice for policy, education and public engagement and fostering international and global co-operation. Founded on 28 November 1660, it was granted a royal charter by King Charles II as The Royal Society and is the oldest continuously existing scientific academy in the world.[2]"
Published:13 March 2024https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.230603
Sequoiadendron giganteum seeds were first introduced to the UK in 1853 by the Scottish grain merchant Patrick Matthew. Later, in the same year, renowned nurseryman William Lobb returned with many more seeds and seedlings, along with accounts of the giant trees from which they came. Because of their rarity and novelty, these specimens commanded premium prices [8]. Sequoiadendron giganteum trees quickly became a symbol of wealth in Victorian Britain, where they were planted at the entrances of grand houses and estates, along avenues, and within churchyards and parks.
https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.230603
Greg
Tony Gemignani promised that he would do something interesting with his North Beach billboards other than just flogging his pizza. Here's his first new billboard on Union at Columbus and across from Washington Square. Not a great shot, but it works.
