FOUR ELMS FROM CLASS OF 1883

The class of 1883 have contributed funds for the planting of four new elms in the Yard. These trees will be put in position this week under the direction of the Hicks nursery crew. The elms, which were selected by Mr. H. J. Koehler, the tree expert, have trunks about eight inches in diameter, and will be pruned to a height of 25 or 30 feet. It is calculated that their rate of growth, if conditions are favorable, will be about a foot and a half a year in height, and three feet in spread.

The experts have expressed the opinion that the elms have an "80 or 90 per cent. chance" of flourishing. All possible precautions will be taken in the transplanting and future care of the trees. In this latter connection the advances in the protection from insects, made by the Department of Forestry under Professor R. T. Fisher '98 will be especially helpful.

The start of the movement for restoring the elms to the Yard was made by the class of 1883 more than a year ago when they offered funds for transplanting a single large elm to the Yard. No further action was taken, however, until last spring, when additional funds sufficient to move three more trees were offered from other sources. Professor Fisher, in charge of the work of restoring and protecting the trees in the Yard, then undertook a thorough investigation of the problem. With the aid of F. L. Olmsted '94, J. W. Chapman S.D. '11, H. J. Koehler, and Henry Hicks, studies of the soil conditions were made, and the trees on Boston Common were studied to observe the results of transplanting and protective measures against insects. When it was decided that the transplanting could be successfully accomplished, Mr. Koehler made a long search for suitable trees.

The Hicks crew will do the work of taking up, moving, and replanting the trees, while the College authorities will have the sites in the Yard prepared. The success of the scheme depends in large measure on the care taken not to injure the roots in the removal of the trees. The roots, as fast as excavated, are carefully bound and wrapped in burlap for transportation. The elms will be carried on a special truck which has been brought up from Long Island.