SOS 



on short pedicels. Fruit in May or June, nearly circular, about 

 three-fourths inch long, only slightly if at all downy. Tree 

 of medium size, forty to sixty feet high, with a trunk occa- 

 sionally two feet in diameter. 



Distribution. From Quebec and Ontario west to North Da- 

 kota and south to Florida and Texas; less common than the 

 White Elm. In Minnesota frequent throughout the state ex- 

 cept far nothward. 



Propagation. By seeds kept stratified until the spring follow- 

 ing the period of ripening. Unlike the other elms, the seeds 

 will not grow the same season that they mature. 



Properties of wood. Heavy, hard, strong, very close grained, 

 durable in contact with the soil, splits as freely and easily as 

 that of young chestnut. It is dark brown, with thin, light- 

 colored sapwood. Specific gravity 0.6956; weight of a cubic 

 foot 43.35 pounds. 



Uses. In cultivation the Slippery Elm is a shapely, fast 

 growing tree, well adapted to this section; not of as pretty a 

 form nor as hardy in dry locations as the White or Rock Elm, 

 but more valuable in home timber lots. When planted as a 

 street tree, the bark is likely to be stripped off by boys. The 

 trees when planted closely together grow straight and tall and 

 make excellent poles for farm use. When used for posts, they 

 should be cut in summer and be peeled and dried before set- 

 ting. When this is done they will last a long time. The wood 

 'is used for sleigh runners, the running gear of carriages, hubs 

 of wheels, and in the manufacture of agricultural implements. 

 It is tough when boiled or steamed, hence is one of the best 

 woods for ribs of canoes and skiffs. The thick fragrant inner 

 bark is soft, mucilaginous and slightly nutritious. It has been 

 known to support life in case of scarcity of food. It is re- 

 ported that during the last war with Great Britain the soldiers 

 on the Canadian frontier found it a grateful and nutritious food 

 for their horses in times of scarcity of forage. It is used in 

 medicines for affections of the throat and lungs and for other 

 troubles. 



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