288 Lake Maxinkuckee, Physical and Biological Survey 



Family 38. Ulmace^. Elm Family 

 267. american elm; white elm 



ULMUS AMERICANA L. 



Common about the lake, especially in low flat forests. It formed 

 about 8 per cent of the trees on Long Point, and is common in Over- 

 myer's woods. In flower everywhere April 11, 1901. The seeds 

 showed conspicuously on the trees 16 days later, and a good many 

 seeds shed prematurely were floating on the lake April 28 and 30. 

 By May 21 many ripe seeds were seen along shore in rows, washed 

 up on the north shore of Long Point. By June 7, the seeds had 

 sprouted and formed thick rows of seedlings a half inch high at 

 various places on the lake shore, especially north of Long Point. 

 The young seedlings of the previous year had been noticed on shore 

 by the Inlet October 8, 1900. Leaves noted falling September 27, 

 1900. 



The seeds of the elm grow and mature quickly after blossoming, 

 usually showing conspicuously within a few days after the trees 

 are in bloom, and they are ripe in about six weeks. Few 

 trees are so prodigal in seeds. They often cover the surface 

 of woodland ponds and spring up in innumerable multitudes in 

 rows along the edges of rivers and lakes, but very few survive. It 

 is a favorite park and street tree, and often in parks its seeds cover 

 the ground until they can be swept up in windrows. In seeding 

 habits it bears a remarkable resemblance to the silver maple. In- 

 dividual trees show a remarkable variety of growth, some drooping, 

 others pretty stiffly erect. The winter spray shows unusual sym- 

 metry of the alternating buds which spring out from the horizontal 

 sides of last year's branches. The typical tree has a feathery ap- 

 pearance, the smallest branches being fine and pendulous, the fa- 

 vorite place for the oriole to suspend its nest. The lumber of the 

 elm is of little value on account of its weakness and very marked 

 tendency to warp. 



268. RED ELM; SLIPPERY ELM 



ULMUS FULVA Michx. 



Not very common about the lake but a few scattered trees are 

 found on both sides. There were a few trees in the low woods by 

 Overmyer's. Noted in flower May 11 and seeds ripe May 28, 1901. 

 No large trees were seen. The large mucilaginous flower buds 

 which are conspicuous in early spring form the favorite food of 

 various birds and squirrels, and in cities the house sparrows often 

 almost entirely strip the trees. The wood is strong and very light, 



