ELM. 





(Ulmus.) 



The different species of elm are distributed over the cold 

 and temperate portions of the northern hemisphere, save 

 western United States and Canada. A high degree of perfec- 

 tion is attained in eastern North America, where trees are 

 greatly prized for their form and appearance. 



The foliage of the elm is concentrated at the top, and the 

 absence of lower branches causes it to be a good tree to plant 

 near houses or along streets. 

 Much of the wood is tough, fibrous, 

 durable, strong, hard, heavy, and, 

 because it is so often cross- 

 grained, difficult to split and work. 

 The large pores of the spring 

 wood arranged in one or several 

 rows mark the annual deposit, 

 while the minute pores of the 

 summer wood arranged in con- 

 centric wavy lines are so peculiar 

 as to distinguish this wood from 

 all others. The tall, straight trunks afford pieces of con- 

 siderable size. Elm piles sustain constant and severe shocks 

 for long intervals. The grain arrangement of elm is often 

 very beautiful, so that it is increasingly used for decoration. 

 It is more commonly employed in the construction of cars, 

 wagons, boats, agricultural implements, machinery, and fur- 

 niture. 



The shape of the trees is so marked as to cause them to be 

 easily noted. Fifteen or sixteen species have been recognized. 

 Five are known to exist in the eastern American forests, and 

 all of them furnish good wood of commercial importance. 

 Ulmus was the ancient name of the elm. 



ELM ( Ulmus americana). 



Geo. B. Emerson's '-Trees and Shrubs of Massachusetts." 



35 



