Grizzly Giant Mariposa Grove - 33 ft. Diam.

The tree was manifestly a very fine one, but we felt disappointed in regard to the apparent size. . . . On looking more attentively and minutely at the photograph, we discovered a group of men at the base of the tree! They were so small that at first, they had escaped notice, but being once seen their effect upon the picture was magical . . . and we felt that we looked indeed upon a grizzly giant.

The author of this 1866 quote was, like most observers from afar, astounded by the fantastic proportions of California's scenery. Indeed, the men posed at the base of the tree establish a thrilling sense of scale. In order not to obstruct the view of this grizzly giant, Carleton Watkins isolated as much of the sequoia tree's crown against plain sky as was possible. In so doing, he avoided creating a confusing background of intermingled trees.