408 PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 
The leaves have a bright, silvery appearance, as they tremble with the slight- 
est breeze, thus presenting the green upper side and the downy white under por- 
tion in rapid alternations. 
In America the wood has never been highly esteemed because of the former 
abundance of native timber of highest quality ; even for fuel, like all poplars it is 
of inferior grade, its principal and only use being for street planting and shade. 
In many portions of Europe, however, where heavy forests are not so exu- 
berant as they have been on this continent in previous times, the Abele is utilized 
for lumber and greatly appreciated. 
Were these trees growing in abundance, and in thickets, so as to extend their 
trunks in height, there would be a demand and a commercial value to the lum- 
ber; doubtless, far beyond that of cottonwood. 
The Abele is equally as hardy as the cottonwood, is easily cultivated, being 
free to grow from cuttings, suckers or pieces of root, while its persistence under 
great difficulties commend it as a forest tree or for a nurse, on the prairies and 
plains of the West, while it should be given thorough trial in the arid belt. 
The wood is white, soft, with an open grain; the fibers are very tenacious, 
giving the timber great toughness. 
We have mentioned the Abele as a suitable wood for paper — and pulp. It is 
well worthy extensive planting for this use. 
TYPICAL ELM 
