Category: strange land

Cubit

tourguide
A cubit is an ancient unit of length based on the forearm, measuring from the elbow to the tip of the middle finger, generally accepted as approximately 18 inches (45.7 cm). While varying by region and era, it was commonly divided into 6 palms or 24 digits. The Egyptian Royal Cubit was longer, about 20.6 inches (52.5 cm).
Common Cubit: ~17.5–18 inches (44.5–46 cm).
Royal/Long Cubit: ~19.8–20.6 inches (50–52.5 cm).
Origins: Used by ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and Israelites; dating back nearly 5,000 years.
Bible References: Noah’s Ark, Goliath’s height, and temple measurements are given in cubits.
Modern Equivalence: Roughly 1.5 feet or a half meter.–Gemini

tour guide down the street from Diocletian’s Palace, Split

best day to plant a tree

Today!

Sequoia sempervirens stump supporting a young tree
Sequoia sempervirens stump supporting a young tree
Live Oak, quercus virginiana, Sadler Point, St. Johns River, Jacksonville, Florida

Historic Tragedy
Live oaks have dense, hard, and strong wood which is resistant to weather, water, and mechanical strain. The massive, low, curved branches and sweeping stems were useless for straight-grained, driedlumber as made from other trees. But the natural growth pattern of live oak made the perfect structural components for wooden sailing ships. Live oak forests first seen by Europeans were storm pruned,extensive, and contained many massive individual trees. Commerce and wars of the 1700’s generated demand for this premium wood for ship hull ribs, knees, and support parts. The old growth live oak forests were decimated by European nations, colonists, and early acts of our new nation.–Dr. Kim D. Coder, Professor of Tree Biology & Health Care / University Hill Fellow/University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry & Natural Resources