5 



TREES AS GOOD CITIZENS 



country is much used as a shade tree. It is especially 

 useful on the black soil just east of the dry farming sections 

 of the country, where the rainfall is too meager for the 

 Red Oak and Pin Oak to be at their best. In the autumn, 

 the leaves turn a dull red or maroon. The tree thrives in 

 deep, rich soil. 



American (or White) Elm. This tree stands forth 

 as the dean of shade bearers and city beautifiers for 

 New England, New York and the Great Lakes region. 



To have seen the stately 

 dignity and towering grace 

 of the Elms of New Haven, 

 Cambridge, Oberlinor Evan- 

 ston is to have seen Ameri- 

 can shade trees at their best. 

 For wide streets and broad 

 avenues it has no superior. 

 With its high-arching crown, 

 its gracefully drooping foli- 

 age of brilliant green, the 

 American Elm affords a summer picture not offered by 

 any other variety of tree; while the leafless crown is sil- 

 houetted against the background of winter sky with an 

 artistry by which poet and painter are at once inspired 

 and baffled. Whether alone or in company, the Elm is 

 of commanding beauty. The solitary tree of this species 

 carries the perfect message of the reigning monarch, while 

 the broad avenue, enclosed in a double row of the trees 

 offers an arching vista finely expressive of the thought 

 that "The groves were God's first temples." Where its 

 serious enemies can be controlled, it can be used to advan- 

 tage. It is particularly susceptible to the elm leaf beetle 

 and the tussock moth. If it can be watered when young, 

 it does well in many parts of the dry Western country. 



