98 THE FOREST rREE CULTURIST. 
There are many other plants better suited for hedges, 
and which do not produce such enormous thorns. If 
ever there was a tree that ought to be proscribed and ex- 
terminated, I believe this to be one. The thorns on old 
trees are often six to ten inches long, and so hard and 
sharp, that the man or beast that approaches them is in 
danger of being mortally wounded. Every little clipping 
from a hedge must be carefully picked up, or there is dan- 
ger of some animal stepping on it and having its feet 
pierced by these natural bayonets. 
The tree is quite ornamental, having beautiful deep- 
green pinnate leaves, which give it a very graceful appear- 
ance. ‘The seeds are produced in long pea-shaped pods, 
and are ripe in autumn, and if sown at that time will grow 
quite readily. They will also retain their vitality for many 
years if placed in a dry place; but their tough, horn-like 
covering will become so hard in time as to be almost im- 
pervious to moisture, consequently old seeds require soak- 
ing in warm water before sowing. A good way is to pour 
boiling water on them, and let it remain where it will 
keep warm, but not hot, until the seeds swell. There are 
but two native species. 
GLEDITSCHIA TRICANTHOS ( Three-thorned Acacia).—Leaf- 
lets lanceolate oblong, slightly serrate, deep green, smooth ; 
pods a foot or more in length, usually twisted, with a sweet 
pulp between the seeds ; tree of medium size, with a spread- 
ing open head; common in Pennsylvania and westward. 
There are cultivated varieties of this species without thorns. 
GLEDITSCHIA MONOSPERMA ( Water Locust). — Leaflets 
ovate; pods small, containing one seed ; thorns simple; 
