ELM. 177 



the large hop-like clusters are very conspicuous in May 

 and June. 



Adventuring further northward than its more stately 

 brother, this graceful tree is invaluable to the natives of 

 cold and windy regions. The wood is preferred by mill- 

 wrights for every purpose connected with their trade ; and 

 the bark, which is readily peeled from the trunk and 

 boughs for many feet without breaking, is used, especially 

 in Wales, for securing thatch, as likewise for different kinds 

 of tyings, in consequence of its tough yet flexible nature. 



Anacreon, in ancient times, spoke of the coming and 

 departing of the swallow tribe, as noting the changes of 

 the season ; the bird of Aristophanes, also, when proclaim- 

 ing the blessings which are derived by mortals from dif- 

 ferent species, says, that when the crane flies with her 

 warning voice into Egypt, she bids the sailor hang up 

 his rudder and take his rest, and every prudent man to 

 provide himself with winter garments. 



The wych-elm, in like manner, is an unfailing monitor. 

 N 



