CHAPTER XV. 



SYLVICULTURAL NOTES ON TIMBER TREES 

 BROAD-LEAVED TREES. 



ACACIA (False Acacia). 

 Robinia pseudo- Acacia = The Acacia (False) or Locust Tree. 



IT is not a native tree to this country. 



As to Seed. The seed ripens in early autumn in 

 England, but it rarely ripens in Scotland. 



Home-grown seed should generally be avoided. 



Spring sowing is to be recommended, but the seed should 

 be kept in the pod until the season for sowing arrives, other- 

 wise its germinative capacity rapidly deteriorates. 



The germinative capacity is about 55 per cent. 



One pound of seed contains about 22,000 seeds. 



The timber is very hard and durable and elastic. It is 

 the most durable (when felled young) of any timber that can 

 be grown in this country. 



It is an easy timber to work, but often causes sores to 

 those engaged in working it ; apparently, on account of some 

 poisonous properties inherent to it. 



It is largely used for making long wooden pegs or nails 

 for use in shipbuilding. 



Soil and Situation. A light, deep, dry soil is the most 

 suitable for it. It will not thrive on wet soils or stiff clays. 



On poor, deep, dry soils, it grows quite well, where other 

 broad-leaved trees, except Birch or White Alder, would 

 absolutely fail. It requires considerable summer warmth, 

 and is very tender as to spring and autumn frosts. 



Southern aspects suit it best, provided frosts are avoided. 



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