418 PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 



THE BLACK LOCUST. 



Robinia Pscudacacia. 



We have received many letters from correspondents who ask for advice and 

 information as to the desirability of planting the locust. 



It is not generally known that the locust is a native American forest tree, 

 growing upon the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia and extending on the high- 

 lands in other states. 



It has long been a favorite street tree for certain locations, but is falling into 

 disuse, largely on account of its sucking habit, sprouts coming up among the gras> 

 of lawns which are very persistent. 



Botanists recognize but one form of the locust, and the closest observation I 

 have given fails to discern any material difference other than what results from 

 soil and location. Yet there are many who claim yellow locust and black locust 

 to be two distinct varieties. 



Some years ago I visited Long Island, where yellow locust was being sold as 

 a distinct variety. I found material difference in size and density of the wood 

 grown on the north shore from the timber of the West, but in the flower and 

 every detail decided there was but one species. 



In rich loam and ample water the growth is very rank, while in the impov- 

 erished soil of the north shore the slowness of growth caused it to be more dense. 



DURABILITY. 







The wood is close grained, quite durable, and makes excellent fence posts. 

 It is quickly renewed from the stump and from suckers when the trees are felled. 

 When once planted the trees become permanent. Thus it is of value for the hill 

 lands along the Ohio Valley and similar localities. 



It cannot be made into lumber on account of its habit of growing in folds as 

 it becomes old. There are comparatively few uses to which the locust can be 

 profitably put fence posts being the principal one. 



The well matured wood is very durable : fence posts made from very old trees 

 are among the most durable of our American woods. Young, sappy and im- 

 mature trees, however, are of short life when placed in the ground. 



Density. The wood of locust is very hard, close grained, heavy, and when 

 seasoned is difficult to penetrate with nails, staples or spikes. 



Straight Grained. The timber is remarkably straight grained, being readily 

 split into fence posts, which are the principal uses for which the timber is suited. 



