52 FOKESTS, WOODS, AND TEEES 



platanus), which is more frequently planted. Both trees 

 resist wind well, and can be freely used in seaport towns. 

 The Norway maple is a favourite tree for planting in 

 American cities, being considered superior for that purpose 

 to any of the native species ; and it is strange that it is so 

 seldom seen in our streets. 



Elms are much planted in towns, but are often un- 

 successful, as the proper kinds have not been chosen. The 

 English elm {Ulmiis campestris of English authors) is a 

 beautiful tree in the south of England, retaining its foliage, 

 which turns a brilliant yellow, till late in October, long 

 after other kinds have lost their leaves. It grows to a 

 large size, and is unsuitable for streets on that account ; 

 moreover, it suffers badly from smoke. In parks it must 

 be planted with discretion, as old trees are liable to drop 

 their branches in calm weather without warning, and have 

 been the cause of fatal injuries. The English elm, it must 

 be remembered, is distinctly a southern tree, and it does 

 not thrive well in Scotland and in most parts of Ireland. 

 The wych elm (Ulmus montana) grows to a great size, and 

 succeeds fairly well in windswept localities. It is suitable 

 for planting in town parks in Scotland, Northern England, 

 and Ireland. The weeping wych elm, of which there are 

 two distinct varieties (6) (var. horizontalis and var. Gamper- 

 dovmensis), is much planted in parks and cemeteries, and 

 thrives in Edinburgh and Dublin as well as it does in 

 London. 



The elms, which are imported as seedlings from French 

 nurseries under the name Ulmus campestris, are quite 

 distinct from tlie English elm, and are now correctly 

 named Ulmus nitcns. They have been largely planted in 

 Edinburgh and other towns, but are not very successful 

 in resisting smoke and drought. The best elm for planting 

 in streets is undoubtedly the Jersey or Wheatley elm, which 

 assumes a regular pyramidal form. The Cornish elm ( Ulmus 

 stricta), less regular in shape but similar in foliage to the 

 last, bears wind extremely well, and should be tried in 

 gardens and streets of sea-coast towns. The Belgian elm 



