462 WOODY PLANTS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



In some, it is of a greenish yellow, in others, of a reddish color. 

 This last is considered far the most valuable timber. In the 

 Western States, it is said there is a black variety. These vari- 

 eties are probably dependent on the qualities of the soil. All, 

 however, have the properties of strength and durability in a 

 remarkable degree. And in these respects and in stiffness, 

 hardness, elasticity and weight, the best locust is superior to 

 any northern oak. According to Barton, its strength, as com- 

 pared with English oak, is as 1867 to 1672. The weight was 

 found, at Brest, in 1823, to be one sixth greater than that of 

 oak. Experiments made at the Royal Naval College at Wool- 

 wich, show its lateral strength in resisting fracture, to be to that 

 of oak as 100 to 75. 



As long ago as 1601 or 1635, for accounts differ, the locust 

 tree was introduced into France from America by Jean Robin 

 or his son Vespasian, in honor of one or the other of whom, it 

 received from Linnaeus the name of Robinia. Since that time, 

 it has been much cultivated in that country and in England, 

 for the beauty of its foliage and the fragrance of its flowers. 

 In 1823, the celebrated Cobbett, after spending some time in 

 America, went back to England, and produced a great sensa- 

 tion by his writings in commendation of this tree. For some 

 of the purposes for which he recommended it, it has been found 

 of little value. For others, its importance is acknowledged. 

 Where resistance to a strain is required, it is considered superior 

 to any other wood. And the durability of the heart- wood, when 

 employed as posts or in fences, or in other situations exposed 

 to the weather, is ascertained to be extraordinary. 



In this country, the value of the timber is almost universally 

 known and acknowledged. In ship building it is employed for 

 floors and floor timber, in preference to any other timber. For 

 treenails it is preferred to every other wood, and great quantities 

 of it are annually exported for that purpose. In the Middle 

 States, where it grows more freely and abundantly than here, 

 it is valued for all uses in which strength is required, and du- 

 rability in places in exposure to the weather. For posts of 

 gates, therefore, and for sleepers, it has been found invaluable. 

 The same has been found true in this State, and, for all such 



