Gil, many towns in the parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, New Brunswick and Quebec where I spent much of my youth are now without trees along the main streets. This is because many if not most were Dutch elm trees. Part of the problem may have been that too many elms where planted (for their graceful beauty no doubt) and little else - too little diversity is a dangerous thing. Sort of similar to the vast Pinus radiata forests now planted on North Island and probably in Oz too.
Oddly enough we have a very healthy large Dutch elm here on our place in New Mexico. Since this is way out of their natural range they are very scattered and possibly safe from the spread of the disease. The climate here is very much drier than where elms are usually found, but the temperature range is fairly close, though normally our winters are shorter here. By the way, I saw some wonderful churches in Wales, listened to sheep auctions in Welsh and visited the church bell ringers in Swansea. It's well worth the trip. -Tom
