xX. i. THE SLIPPERY ELM. 297 
6 feet 5.7; at 8,8 feet; at 11, 7 feet 4.7 inches. The spread of the top is 
134 feet 8 inches. 
The great elm, on Boston Common, measured, in 1820, 23 feet at the 
ground ; and 20 feet at 3. In 1844, it measured, near the ground, 23 feet 6 ; 
at 3 feet, 17 feet 11; at 5 feet, 16 feet 1. Ona map of Boston, published in 
1720, this elm is delineated as a large tree. It is said to have been planted 
about the year 1670, by Capt. Daniel Henchman, an ancestor of Gov. Han- 
cock, Itis, therefore, more than 175 years old.* 
The ‘* Washington Elm,’’ in Cambridge, so called because beneath its shade 
or near it, Gen. Washington is said to have first drawn his sword, on taking 
command of the American army, measured, in 1842, 15 feet 2, at 1 foot, and 
13 feet 2, at 3 from the ground. In 1844, it measured 13 feet 24 inches, at 
the same point, where the girth is smallest. The celebrated Whitefield 
preached under the shade of this tree, in 1744. 
The following measurements and accompanying particulars 
are taken from a communication in the New England Farmer, 
Vol. IV, p. 242, made in 1826 :-— 
Two elms were set out by the Indians, in front of the house of Rev. Oliver 
Peabody, who succeeded, in 1722, to the venerable Elliot, the Indian apostle, 
in the same truly Christian ministry, in Natick. This voluntary offering of 
the grateful savages, they called zrees of peace. A similar offering was made 
to Mr. Peabody’s successor, Rev. Stephen Badger. These latter trees were 
standing, in 1826, having been planted 73 years. They measured 15 feet at 
the ground, and 9 at the smallest place above, having grown half an inch in 
diameter annually. A tree standing in Framingham, which was 90 years old, 
measured, in the same year, 20 feet at 1 foot from the ground. This indicates 
an annual growth in diameter of more than four fifths of aninch. The same 
communication states, that the Charter Oak, in Hartford, Conn., measured, at 
the ground, 36 feetin girth, and at the smallest place above, 25 feet. 
Sp. 2. Tse Suppery Erm. Ulmus fulva. Michaux. 
Figured in Michaux, Sylva, Plate 128. 
The slippery elm has a strong resemblance to the common 
elm. It has less of a drooping appearance, and the bark of the 
smaller branches is rougher, and of a lighter color; on the trunk 
it is somewhat smoother and darker. It is commonly a much 
smaller tree. The leaves are thicker and rougher,—excessively 
rough above. ‘T’he recent shoots are light gray, and very 
* See an article in the North American Review, July, 1844, for much curious 
information on the longevity of trees. 
oD 
