"The Saguaro seems to serve only two important
functions- to entertain and cheer the desert traveller, and to
furnish high places for the nests of woodpeckers. There is
nothing about it with which to eat, drink, or make; and we are
very glad of it. If each stem could be made to yield anything
marketable at a profit of fifty cents, the species would soon be
exterminated. Arizona and other states of cactus-land should
make it punishable by $1,000 fine and ten years' imprisonment to
discover anything of commercial value in Cereus giganteus. The
human race is not yet so destitute of the necessities of life
that we need destroy everything that delights the eye."
-- William T. Hornaday, 1914, Camp-fires on Desert and Lava
The Saguaro