A Tannenbaum Fun Fact

Shelf Tree by Frank Visser of IJM

The Scottish botanist David Douglas, after whom
the Douglas Fir is named, died in extraordinary and terrifying circumstances.

In 1832, upon his return from the northwestern United States, his ship docked in Hawaii to replenish supplies. Douglas seized this opportunity to explore the mountains in search of new species. Tragically, he fell into a pit dug to capture ferocious wild cattle that roamed the hills. One such beast was already in the pit that he fell into and Douglas was powerless to prevent it from trampling and goring him to death. His remains were discovered by a search party a few days later.

Speculation continues to this day about the mysterious circumstances surrounding his death.