The most noted European species is the English elm (U. campestris), which ranges through middle and southern Europe, northern Africa, and eastward to Japan. It reaches 100 feet in height and has a rather round-topped or open head, on account of its spreading branches. It is frequently planted for ornament at home and abroad, and in America is valued because its foliage continues green for several weelcs after that of the white elm. It has sev eral distinct varieties, which are sometimes considered as distinct species, and of which there are a large number of horticultural varieties. The next most important European species is probably the Scotch or wych elm (U. scabra), which has much the same range as the preced ing species, like which it attains a height of about 100 feet It is a variable .species with many cultivated varieties, one of the best laiown of which is the Camperdown elm, which has long, pendulous branches, on account of which the tree is frequently planted as a curiosity in parks and gardens. The Chinese elm (U. parvifolia) is a semi-evergreen shrub or small tree, a native of eastern Asia, which has proved hardy in America as far north as Massachusetts.
Elms are readily propagated from seed which ripens in late spring or early summer and should be sown at once. The seedlings
are easily managed, both as to cultivation, trans planting and pruning. The trees do best in rich soil, especially if moist. The choice varieties are generally grafted. The trees, especially of the American or white elm, are specially liable to the attacks of certain insects and diseases, which often defoliate thetn. The latter may be kept in check by the timely and proper applica tion of a standard fungicide (q.v.).
The name elm is also given to various un related trees, the best-known of which are probably the following: Water elm (Planera aquatica); Spanish elm or Bois-de-Chypre (Cordia gerascanthus). Several Australian trees are also known as elms, especially Duboisia myoporoides and Aphananthe philip pinensis, each of which is valued for its timber.
ELM, Slippery, in medicine, the bark of Ulmus fulva, is widely used as a demulcent. It is probable that the ancient Indian inhab itants of the country introduced it into medi cine. Slippery elm bark is noted for the large amount of mucilage which it contains, thus rendering it a pleasing demulcent for sore throat, diarrhom, dysentery, and inflammation of the intestinal tract in general.