XXXVI. 
THE ELM. 
THE Eto (Ulmus).—This genus is the type of the natural 
order Ulmacee, and occupies a very important place among our 
British timber trees. Two species deserve particular notice, 
U. campestris and U. montana. 
U. campestris (L.), or English elm, is a tall, elegant tree, of 
rapid growth ; and although it is not famous for its ramifica- 
tions, yet from the density of its foliage and its clustering 
habit of growth, in bright weather it displays a variety of light 
and shade such as painters appreciate in such objects. It is 
of erect growth, and yields a tall bole, remarkable for the 
uniformity of its diameter throughout ; and few trees produce 
the same quantity of valuable timber in so short a period. If 
we except the oak, it is more common than any other timber 
tree in England, where it is said that upwards of forty places 
take their names from that of elm, such as Nine Elms, Barn 
_ Elms, etc. Around the palaces, castles, cathedrals, old halls, 
etc., it is commonly met with of large dimensions and vener- 
able character ; but as it rarely produces seed in England, it is 
questionable whether it is a native of that country. If not 
truly indigenous, it must have been introduced at a very early 
period, and propagated by art. It is a native of the south 
and middle of Europe, and the west of Asia, and there it yields 
seed abundantly. In France, plants are raised from seed in 
immense numbers. The tree is remarkable for its propensity 
to produce seedling varieties ; many of these imported, of very 
feeble growth, have spread throughout this country, and are of 
no value as timber trees. The aptitude of the tree to vary 
