r.KITISH 1< >REST TREES 263 



Tree-form and Root-system. Although under favourable 

 circumstances the elms can assume first-class proportions 

 equalling those of the oak, ash, maple, and sycamore, yet 

 when grown in forest canopy such good dimensions are not 

 generally attained. Isolated stems in hedge-rows often 

 attain a height of 130 feet, whilst a girth of over twenty feet is 

 at the same time not uncommon. But the development of 

 the bole is also often unsatisfactory, bent and crooked, with 

 an irregular, wavy-lined, elliptical section, and frequently de- 

 formed by gnarled and knotty excrescences. When growing 

 in the full enjoyment of light and air, they have rather a 

 strong tendency to forked growth, and freedom from 

 branches can only be obtained by confining their growing- 

 space to the narrowest limits. The branches are long, and 

 only moderately thick ; they do not ramify much, but 

 towards their ends divide into broom-like wisps or clusters 

 of twigs bearing a somewhat thick and dense foliage. Seen 

 in their bare winter condition, the elms are readily dis- 

 tinguishable from oaks by the greater regularity of the twigs, 

 and the smaller angle formed by these with the branches. 

 The Cork elm has a narrower crown than either of the other 

 two varieties or species. 



The root-system is heart-shaped, and consists of several 

 strongly developed, branching side-roots, with strong deter- 

 mination downwards; these do not expand much horizontally, 

 unless the soil is wanting in depth or penetrability. At the 

 later periods of growth, and particularly on shallow soils, 

 their expansion laterally becomes considerable, superficial 

 roots being thrown out in all directions. 



Requirements as to Soil and Situation. All varieties of 

 elm demand a somewhat mild climate, and thrive best in 

 warm localities, more especially where the atmosphere is 

 humid. Severe winters not only retard the growth of young 

 plants, but often do considerable damage to mature trees, 



