78 THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 



The wood is valuable for shipbuilding, boatbuilding and many uses 

 where toughness and durabilit}^ under water are required. 



It is ver^' slow-growing and the annual rings, which are very close, 

 are distinctly marked. The medullary rays are clearly defined and 

 parallel. The pores in the autumn wood, which are exceedingly small, 

 appear like a series of very small, white, wa\y bands, making a pattern 

 at right angles to the rays. There is a rather indistinct line of larger 

 pores in the spring- wood. 



Elm, British. Ulmiis campestris, Sm., etc. Weight, 36 lbs. 6 oz. 

 United Kingdom. 



This wood, although so well known, is not treated with the considera- 

 tion which its merits deserve. There is Httle doubt but that scientific 

 research could bring to light many more purposes for which it could be 

 employed, than those for which it is at present utilised. It has been 

 used by some for decorative work with very satisfactory results, as the 

 colour and grain lend themselves to artistic effects, and for such purposes 

 it is worth more attention. In Austria and Hungary, for instance, it 

 is highly valued, being used particularly for open timbering work in halls 

 and staircases. There is no evidence to show what botanical variety' is 

 used, but Riigen Holtz is often employed, and it is probable, though not 

 certain, that this is the product of Ulmiis campestris. The then British 

 Consul at Vienna (1914) had his country- house furnished with it, and 

 told me that he considered it as good as oak and perhaps more ornamental. 

 This example of the utihsation of home products rather than those of 

 more exotic growth might weU be followed in this country, which gener- 

 ally adopts the bad economic pohcy of the reverse system. 



It must be borne in mind, however, that this wood is very apt to warp 

 and twist, though where special measures have been taken, this difficulty 

 has been overcome. As the first cost is very low, it would not be extra- 

 vagant to use a means of protecting the exterior without interfering 

 with the appearance of the wood, which would then be immune from the 

 attacks of boring insects. There is Httle doubt that with the aid of 

 preservatives it could be made more useful for many kinds of construc- 

 tional work, as it is very durable under water and fairly so underground. 



During the war it was tested for aeroplane work, though considerable 

 discussion arose as to its suitability, opinion being strongly divided 

 on the subject. 



The pores in the spring-wood are large and open, and in the autumn- 

 wood form a pretty pattern of complete wavy bands, which are so con- 

 spicuous as to be visible without the aid of the lens. The medullary 

 rays are so prominent that it is strange that they do not show on the 

 radial section. 



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