CHAPTER FIVE 



ELMS 



Journal of Heredity 



FIG. 22. Elm at Northampton, Massachusetts. It is 75 feet high, 18 feet in 

 circumference, and has a spread of 125 feet. 



IN the wild state elms are common throughout most 

 of the country. In many cities they are planted for 

 shade more generally than any other kind of tree, for 

 in deep soil they grow fast and make large, well-shaped 

 trees. The elm is one of the first trees to show signs of 

 life in the spring, and at this season it has a peculiarly 

 graceful and airy appearance. The flowers do not 

 attract much attention, although they appear before 

 the leaves. The winged fruits soon develop and are 

 blown away by the wind, some falling where the seed 

 may grow into another great tree. 



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