136 



SYLVAN SKETCHES. 



they were in fashion, and it is recommended for that 

 purpose in the Enghsh statutes. 



It is found in shady lands, and the outskirts of woods 

 in most parts of England, and is considered indigenous. 

 Martyn observes, that old writers always spell the name 

 Witch, as Goodyer, Ray, Evelyn, &c., but that the 

 prevaihng mode now seems to be Wych ; and that the 

 tree is more commonly called by that name, without the 

 adjunct of Elm or Hazel. 



Cultivation and situation make many slight differences 

 in the Elm, which have hastily been taken for specific, 

 but afterwards proved mere varieties, — too uncertain, or 

 too unimportant, in many instances, to deserve attention. 



The American Elm, Ulmus Americana^ was cultivated 

 in England by James Gordon, Esq. in 1752. Of this 

 American Elm, specifically so called, there are three 

 varieties — the Red, the White, and the Weeping Elm : 

 the two former take their name from the colour of their 

 branches ; the latter from their pendent growth. The 

 Red Elm is said to grow very fast in this country. 

 Kalm says, that boats are made of the bark of the White 

 Elm ; the method of making which he particularly 

 describes. 



The Hornbeam-leaved Elm, Ulmus 7iemoraIis, also a 

 native of North America, M^as cultivated here by J. Gor- 

 don, Esq. in 1760. 



The Dwarf Elm, L lmus pumila^ which in sandy 

 lands is very small, in southern Russia contends in sta- 

 ture with the oak. The leaves are used in some parts of 

 Russia as a succedaneum for tea. 



Chatterton compares a dying warrior to an Elm torn 

 by a storm : — 



