GETTING ACQUAINTED WITH THE TREES 



our no less American tulip, the latter miscalled 

 tulip ^^poplar." Both are trees practically unique 

 to the country, both are widespread over East- 

 ern North America, both are thoroughly trees 

 of the people, both attain majestic propor- 

 tions, both are long-lived and able to endure 

 much hardship without a full giving up of 

 either beauty or dignity. 



The American elm — how shall I properly 

 speak of its exceeding grace and beauty ! In 

 any landscape it introduces an element of dis- 

 tinction and elegance not given by any other 

 tree. Looking across a field at a cluster of 

 trees, there may be a doubt as to the identity 

 of an oak, a chestnut, a maple, an ash, but 

 no mistake can be made in regard to an elm — 

 it stands alone in the simple elegance of its 

 vase -like form, while its feathery branchlets, 

 waving in the lightest breeze, add to the 

 refined and classic effect. I use the word 

 "classic" advisedly, because, although apparently 

 out of place in describing a tree, it never- 

 theless seems needed for the form of the 

 American elm. 



The elm is never rugged as is the oak, 



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