6 GARDENS PAST AND PRESENT 



Even in the matter of trees we are now reaping 

 the benefit of that bygone invasion. 



Next to the oak, and even before the beech, we 

 are apt, in a hap-hazard way, to place the hedge- 

 row elm in the forefront as a distinctly British 

 tree. Yet it is practically certain that it is not 

 native, but naturalised, and that we are indebted 

 for this familiar tree to Roman importation. To 

 begin with, its common English name is evidently 

 derived from a Latin source. Also, unlike most 

 trees that are indigenous to the soil, the elm does 

 not ripen seed in England. It is, therefore, not 

 quick to spread, and the suckers which cluster 

 about its roots have to be planted and cared for 

 to make good increase. Those who are interested 

 in such research may read in Pliny of the care 

 recommended to be spent upon the ulmarium, and 

 the minute directions given for the nursing of the 

 young trees until the time of transplanting. Nor 

 is it, indeed, a sociable tree. An elm wood is rare 

 to find ; where it exists it has been planted of 

 set purpose. On the contrary, the elm prefers to 

 stand apart in stately grandeur, in freedom of earth 

 and sky, unshadowed and unhustled by crowding 

 companions. To strengthen the evidence, the true 

 home of the elm is in Essex and those south-eastern 

 parts of the country which came first and most 

 completely under the Roman yoke. From thence, 

 it is true, it advanced westwards ; but as we travel 

 beyond the midlands, we find that it gradually 

 gives place to other trees in the landscape. Why 

 the elm should have been thus specially cultivated 

 in Italy, and subsequently imported into Britain, 



