TREES HAVING SIMPLE LEAVES 



95 



elm may be said to represent New England character, 

 dignified, sturdy, graceful, and refined. Being tall, 

 with foliage well up, the general shape of the tree gives 

 the desired shade, yet does not obstruct the view ; while 

 its stately dignity gives an air of comfort and repose to 

 the grounds, which it seems to protect from the elements. 



Its wood is valuable for certain kinds 

 of work, being tough and strong, but it 

 is not suitable for cabinetwork, as it is 

 difficult to polish. It is used consider- 

 ably for wheel hubs and in cooperage. 



Observe the edge of the elm leaf 

 carefully. The teeth not only curve 

 gracefully toward the extreme tip of 

 the leaf, but they are themselves also 

 toothed, a form known as double- 

 toothed. The leaf is coarse and rough 

 to the touch, in marked contrast to the 

 birch family, whose leaves it slightly 

 resembles. There are several elms famous in the his- 

 tory of our country. At Cambridge is the old elm under 

 which George Washington drew his sword and took com- 

 mand of the American Army on July 3, 1775 ; there are 

 several other "Washington Elms" in different parts of 

 the country, while New Haven is known as the City of 

 Elms. William Penn made his famous treaty with the 



FIG. 104. Leaf of 

 American Elm 



