THE WHITE ELM 



NO tree can successfully dispute the claim of the White Elm to be the favorite 

 species of the American people. Widely distributed, it is universally admired 

 for its grace and beauty at all seasons of the year. It is hardy, easily trans- 

 planted, and a rapid grower, but unfortunately is often seriously injured by various insect 

 enemies, especially the destructive Elm-Leaf beetle. 



In winter the White Elm is easily recognized by the long, slender, drooping branches 

 sent out from the generally vase-shaped tree, the branches being smooth and slender and 

 the buds having no downy covering. In early spring, when the dense clusters of flowers 

 line the twigs, the tree takes on a most interesting appearance, which becomes even more 

 so a little later when the flat, round, whitish, winged fruits replace the reddish blossoms, 

 and at about the same time the tiny leaves gradually unfold, adding to the grace of the 

 filmy fringe with which the smaller branches are adorned. Even when the leaves attain 

 their full size the tree loses little in its graceful appearance, each leaf being finely 'modelled 

 with doubly serrate margins and sides of unequal size. In autumn at the time they fall 

 their color changes to a beautiful clear yellow. 



There are two situations in which this Elm is especially attractive : first, where the 

 great trees line each side of a village or city street, their twigs forming an arch that gives 

 grateful shade to the passer-by, and second, where the trees stand singly or in clusters 

 along a fertile river valley, adding an incomparable element of grace to the landscape. 

 In such situations the most indifferent observer must perforce admire the distinctive 

 beauty of these trees. 



In the older settled regions of the United States there are many great elms having 

 special interest on account of their historical associations. The most notable of these is 

 the famous Washington Elm, under which the Father of his Country assumed command 

 of the Continental Army. 



One of the most interesting tree sights of early summer is that of the thousands of 

 tiny elm-trees that spring up from the seed which shortly before was scattered broadcast 

 by the wind. Where the bearing trees are numerous these little seedlings will make a 

 veritable lawn even of the gutters of city streets, and one can easily gather for transplant- 

 ing all the seedlings that could be desired. In a year or two those thus transplanted would 

 be large enough to set out in permanent situations. Every one knows that the White Elm 

 is desirable for planting throughout New England and the Middle States, and the Forest 

 Service states, that it is " especially well suited for prairie and plains" plantations, 

 although in such regions the soil should be well prepared before the trees are set out. 



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