January 1904.] Tests of Forest Trees. 99 



THE WHITE ELM. ( Ulmus americana.) 



The White elm has been planted for shade and ornament only, and 

 for these purposes is highly recommended. It has succeeded in all 

 sorts of soils and locations, the rate of growth decreasing'in poor soil 

 and dry situations. In poor soil and exposed places it is liable to 

 form low, spreading tops, but a large majority of the trees planted are 

 well formed, fine appearing, strong, tough, and less liable to injury 

 from wind than more-rapid-growing species. They stand transplant- 

 ing and pruning well, have not been seriously injured by drought, 

 and are in every way desirable for planting when the living tree, and 

 not the product, is the end in view. The wood is tough, usually hard 

 to split, and for fuel rated quite low. 



The rate of growth is moderate, seedlings reaching the height of 

 2 or 3 feet the first season, and frequently making an. annual growth 

 of 2 to 3 feet in height during the first four years of its growth. In 

 close planting the trees have made straight growths, but are much 

 less vigorous than where given sufficient room, thinning being re- 

 quired before the trees are of sufficient size to pay for the work. 



An average of a number of trees twenty-three years old gives 

 growths as follows : 



Height 40 feet. 



Diameter at base 12 inches. 



Diameter at five feet 10 inches. 



Cord-wood, 16 cubic feet. 







The rate of growth is somewhat slower in older trees, but, judging 

 from trees in various localities and situations, the White elm is one of 

 the most durable trees grown in our climate. The White elm has been 

 readily propagated from seed sown as soon as ripe and covered lightly. 



RED ELM. (Ulmus fulva.) 



The Red elm compares very favorably with the White elm in rate 

 of growth and desirability. The growth, as noted here, is likely to be 

 more upright and not so graceful in appearance. The wood is more 

 valuable for fuel, and when well-seasoned makes fair posts. The 

 poles are useful for a variety of purposes. Trees of as great age and 

 size as the White elm are seldom found, but those now growing seem 

 equally hardy and vigorous. The Red elm has been readily propaga- 

 tea. by seeds sown in the fall or kept until spring, stratified in sand. 



