350 SYLVICULTURAL NOTES ON TIMBER TREES 



well on southern aspects. The Wych Elm does not require 

 so much warmth as the English Elm, and will grow well in 

 the North of England and Scotland, whereas the English 

 Elm thrives best in the South of England. 



Cultivation, etc. Both trees are very light-demanding. 

 The Scots Elm, unless grown in close canopy, tends to form 

 a large crown in early life, whereas the English Elm is a 

 straighter growing tree. Both trees ultimately develop very 

 large boughs, which often break off and split down the trunk. 

 The Wych Elm is more storm-proof and deeper rooted than 

 the English Elm ; and it grows faster than the latter. The 

 English Elm is one of the least storm-proof trees there are. 

 Both trees coppice very well and grow vigorous stool shoots 

 even if the trees are 40 or 50 years old. Both trees also 

 produce an abundance of suckers. 



They may be grown in even-aged high forest, or as 

 hedgerow timber. 



The English Elm may, possibly, be grown as standards 

 over coppice. It makes the better hedgerow tree of the two, 

 as it forms a taller and straighter bole, though its roots are 

 very spreading. 



It will, however, seldom be advisable to plant Elm in the 

 South of England, for there is an abundance of it in the 

 hedgerows ; and the supply is quite equal to the demand ; 

 and, furthermore, after severe gales enormous quantities are 

 often, of necessity, thrown upon the market with a corres- 

 ponding diminution in price. 



In the North of England and Scotland, the Wych Elm 

 will often prove more profitable than most trees, when grown 

 upon suitable soil. 



On a long rotation of 25 years, Wych Elm forms very 

 valuable coppice ; and the stools last a long time. 



Of Fungi. Various species of Polyporus and Pomes attack 

 the tree through wounded surfaces. 



Of Insects. The Elm Bark Beetle Scolytus destructor 

 is often very destructive. It, generally, first attacks the 

 ends of branches and tops, and works down the tree, separat- 

 ing the bark from the wood. 



