7 8 



Forests and Trees 



combine to make it an ideal tree for parks and streets. Within 

 its range in Manitoba it is rapidly becoming the most commonly 

 planted tree, particularly in the southeastern part of the prov- 

 ince. It would be little less than a tragedy if the popularity 

 of this noble tree should bring about its destruction. The 

 exclusive planting of a single species tends to so increase the 

 food supply of its enemies that they increase at an even greater 

 rate. This will only be checked by the destruction of the food, 

 which means the destruction of the tree so largely planted. 

 There is a danger of this fate overtak- 

 ing the white elm. The elm beetle has 

 so increased in some places in the East- 

 ern States that the elms seem doomed. 



The elms of Manitoba have not suf- 

 fered seriously from insect pests thus far, 

 but what has happened in other places 

 will happen in the prairie province, if 

 too exclusive planting of a single spe- 

 cies is followed. 



The rich moist land of the river bot- 

 tom is the favorite place of the elm. 

 Still it will grow well on higher and 

 well-drained land, but lack of moisture must be balanced by 

 greater richness of soil. 



The wood of the elm is very largely used for cheap grades cf 

 furniture and for barrels, but is not considered desirable for 

 high-grade articles. 



It is found in low land throughout Manitoba as far north as 

 the mouth of the Saskatchewan river and westward into the 

 province cf Saskatchewan. 



It can be grown readily from seed, but the seeds should be 

 gathered in the summer and sown at once. If kept over, they 

 lose their vitality very quickly. It is not advisable to attempt 

 to grow trees in the northern part of the range from seed col- 



FIG. 37. White Elm. 



