THE ELM AND THE TULIP 



own preeminent American elm — a tree surely 

 among those given by the Creator for the 

 healing of the nations. 



The tulip -tree, so called obviously because 

 of the shape of its flowers, has a most mellif- 

 luous and pleasing botanical name, Liriodendron 

 Tulipifera — is not that euphonious? Just plain 

 "liriodendron" — how much better that sounds 

 as a designation for one of the noblest of 

 American forest trees than the misleading 

 "common" names! "Tulip - tree," for a resem- 

 blance of the form only of its extraordinary 

 blooms; "yellow poplar," probably because it 

 is not yellow, and is in no way related to the 

 poplars; and "whitewood," the Western name, 

 because its wood is whiter than that of some 

 other native trees. "Liriodendron" translated 

 means "lily- tree," says my learned friend who 

 knows Greek, and that is a fitting designation 

 for this tree, which proudly holds forth its 

 flowers, as notable and beautiful as any lily, and 

 far more dignified and refined than the gaudy 

 tulip. I like to repeat this smooth -sounding, 

 truly descriptive and dignified name for a tree 

 worthy all admiration. Liriodendron ! Away 



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