The Elms. 245 



steeped in water, giving it valuable medicinal properties, as a de- 

 mulcent drink, and for emollient poultices. This material, when 

 thoroughly dried, cut small, and ground in a mill, is an article of 

 commerce, and is kept by most druggists. 



973. A writer in Iowa, in speaking of the cultivation of the red 

 elm remarks, that this tree has not received the attention that it 

 merits, and sums up its good qualities as follows : 



1. It is hardy, even in the most exposed position on the prairies. 



2. It grows on rich soil with great rapidity. 



3. The seeds are easily gathered, and require no great skill in 

 handling and planting, 



4. It is unusually free from disease and injury from insects. 



5. It has a large proportion of heart-wood, even when young. 



6. When grown thickly in groves, it runs up straight and tall, 

 and when the poles are large enough to split for two rails, it may 

 be divided as easily as the chestnut. When laid as rails, or nailed 

 to posts, they are very durable. 



7. When large enough for vine-stakes, if cut in summer, peeled, 

 and dried before setting, they will last well. 



974. THE CORK ELM (Ulmus racemosa). This derives its name 

 from the corky excrescences on the bark of the young twigs and 

 small branches, although this character is far from being con- 

 stant, nor is it limited to this species. This tree occurs in New 

 England, New York, and westward, and often grows to a large size. 

 Its foliage is of a darker green, and its wood harder, stronger, and 

 more durable than that of the preceding species. 



975. THE SMALL-LEAVED ELM (Ulmus data), sometimes called 

 the " wahoo," is a southern species, and grows to a smaller size than 

 the white or red elm, but it has a very compact wood, which is 

 much used for the naves of wheels, and is even preferred to the 

 black-gum for this purpose. From the inner bark a rope is some- 

 times made, which has been used in bagging cotton. 



976. THE ENGLISH ELM (Ulmus campestris). This is a favorite 

 tree for ornamental planting in Great Britain, and has been intro- 

 duced in many parts of the United States. Some of the finest elms 

 in Boston are of this species. As to its merits for city planting Mr. 

 Emerson remarks : ''I have been unable to compare satisfactorily the 

 rapidity of its growth with that of the American elm, but probably in 

 its best condition the latter is of far more rapid growth, although in 



