RLM. 505 
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. 
Propertics 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. 
