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Show 314 (1) The climax forest of the Sierra is the Sequoia forest, built in a specific life zone, on the "oldest and warmest portions of the main glacial soil-belt." It was growing on an ancient moraine, like the Cedars of Lebanon. Its life zone was defined by altitude, climate, moisture, and exposure to the sun. (2) Though divided into groves by the intervening canyons, the Sequoia forest is really all of one piece if viewed, not spatially, but in accordance with environmental, or life zone conditions. These groves are not remnants. (3) The Sequoia forest evolved by a process of succession and dispersion of species. For instance, Muir had seen places where new seed beds were exposed on new avalanche soil, and "in this instructive illustration of the struggle for life among the rival species," young Sequoias gained a marked advantage over others. Further, Muir had evidence to support his theory that the sugar pine came down the range from the north, while the Sequoia migrated up from the south. Where they met and harmonized, the Sequoia was the King and the sugar pine was the priest. They both came to occupy niches as did other species which arrived and flourished in a favorable environment. The result was a rich and diverse ecosystem. (4) Although the result of struggle, the Sequoia forest is now in a "climax" state, stable, well-balanced, self-perpetuating. This must be understood from a number of kinds of evidence. (a) That the Sequoia is "enduringly established in concordance with climate and soil" can be understood when one |