154 FOREST TREES. 
There are several species of Elm, of which four are 
natives of America. They are long-lived trees, and 
most of them are of large size. Some of them are 
valued for their timber, and nearly all are fine orna- 
mental trees. All the species produce their flowers 
before the leaves, and ripen their seeds in spring, 
usually in the latter part of May. The seeds are : 
light, and, being surrounded by a membraneous wing, 
are widely scattered by the wind, They should be 
sown as soon as practicable after ripening. If the 
season be favorable, the young trees will grow to the 
height of a foot or more the first year. Should 
the weather be hot and dry, the young plants must 
be shaded from the sun at their first appearance. 
They should not be allowed to remain in the seed- 
bed more than two years. Elms can be transplanted 
as successfully as most other trees. 
1. Ulmus Americana — White Elm. 
Buds and branchlets smooth; branches not corky ; 
leaves, obovate-oblong or oval, abruptly pointed, 
sharply and often doubly serrate; flowers, in close 
fascicles; calyx, seven to nine-lobed; fruit smooth, 
except the margin. 
The White Elm is called by Michaux, “the most 
magnificent vegetable of the temperate zone.” In 
many parts of the United States it is the most popu- 
lar shade tree. It is one of the largest deciduous 
trees of North America; and combines gracefulness, 
beauty and majesty in a greater degree than almost 
any other. No tree is more popular for planting in 
