146 



AMERICAN HOXEY PLANTS 



hills and the yield is not dependable. The honey is reported as of light 

 color and good flavor. 



LOCUST (Robinia pseudo-acacia). 



The black locust, or false acacia, is a native tree from Pennsylvania to 

 Iowa and southward. However, it has been widely introduced into other 

 States, thus greatly extending its range. It is now to be found in many 

 places from New England and Canada southward. It is reported as pro- 

 ducing a surplus of honey in parts of California, and is listed among the 

 hone}' plants of Texas. 



A 



m 



Fig. SS. Blossoms of black locust, or false acacia. 



The wood is desirable for posts, railroad ties and other purposes re- 

 quiring durability. Large plantations are often set for utilitj- purpose^, 

 so that in some localities the beekeeper may readily expect a surplus from 

 this source. Borers are a serious menace to the life of this tree, and whole 

 plantations of locusts are sometimes injured by the insects, which kill the 

 branches and sometimes the bodies of the trees, causing them to sprout 

 again from the root. 



According to Lovell the honey is water-white, of heavy body and mild 

 flavor. Figure 88 shows the blossoms and leaves. The flowers, it will be 

 noted, much resemble those of the garden pea. 



In some localities the tree is known as white or yellow locust. 



