It is impossible to get satisfactory pictures of these trees, for one cannot get an uninterrupted view of them. We can get at the stocky, swelling base, and part of the noble shaft, or a good view of the crown of leaves swaying above all else. They defy camera or artist, who desire full length portraits. ~Eloise J. Roorbach, "The Big Basin," Overland Monthly, October 1907
For the reasons above, I submit this photo of the bark of the California Redwood for 