SYLVICULTURAL NOTES ON ELM. 255 



As the seed of the common Elm does not ripen in 

 Britain, it is generally propagated in the latter way in 

 this country. 



The seed ripens in May to June and falls almost 

 immediately ; it keeps its germinating power only 

 for a short time, and must be sown at once. If 45% 

 germinate, it is considered very good seed. There are 

 about 70,000 seeds to the pounifL In nurseries the seed 

 is best sown broadcast and very slightly covered with 

 fine earth, one-tenth of an inch being sufficient ; it 

 germinates after 10 to 20 days. The seedlings may be 

 placed in nursery lines in the following spring, and 

 they are fit to be put out after another year, though they 

 frequently remain longer in the nursery. 



The methods of obtaining layers and suckers have been 

 shortly indicated at page 130. 



i. landing. 



The Elm, being hardy and grown mixed with other 

 species, does not require much tending. Cattle and deer do 

 damage by browsing, but the damage is quickly healed. 

 Insects and fungi do a moderate amount of damage. 

 The Elm suffers from two scale-insects, Schizoneura 

 lanigera and Lecanium vagabundum ; the latter lives on 

 the stems of saplings, destroying large patches of bark. 

 Elms have been much injured by two bark-beetles, 

 Hylesinus vittatus in Central Europe, and Scolytus Geof- 

 froyi (destructor, 01.). The latter is exceedingly harm- 

 ful to the unhealthy Elms growing near large towns. 

 It also attacks trees in the open country, selecting weak 

 spots, generally the extremities of old branches, at the 



