96 Horticultural Department. [Bulletin 120 



BLACK LOCUST. (RoUnia pseudacacia.) 



The Black locust was planted quite extensively during the first 

 part of the decade 18SO-'90. Good growths resulted in all plantings, 

 but the borers, Cyllene robinia}, have so seriously injured the trees as 

 to prevent their growing large enough even for small posts. Were it 

 not for this insect, the Black locust would probably be our best tree 

 for post production, but is not to be recommended for localities in- 

 fested by this insect. 



It seems probable from observations made here that the best re- 

 sults from Black locusts are secured by cutting as frequently as the 

 trees reach a suitable size for posts. The rapid-growing sprouts seem 

 less liable to injury than slower-growing stocks. The trees may be 

 relied upon to renew from sprouts. Trees ten years old measure 20 

 feet in height, and 4 inches in diameter at four feet from the ground. 

 Trees twenty years old measure 30 feet in height, and 8 inches at five 

 feet from the ground. The Black locust has been readily propagated 

 from seed treated in the same way as those of the Honey locust. 



COFFEE BEAN. (Gymnocladus dioica.) 



The Coffee bean has not been widely planted, but has succeeded 

 well wherever tried. The young trees make fairly rapid growth, reach- 

 ing a height of 20 feet and a diameter of 4 inches at five feet from 

 the ground in ten years. Older trees have maintained a fair rate of 

 growth. The Coffee bean is a desirable shade-tree. When young the 

 trees have a strong growth of leaves and shoots that produce a pleas- 

 ing, almost tropical effect. The older trees are pleasing in leaf and 

 blossom, but their winter form is less desirable, usually presenting a 

 rather bare, grotesque form. Some of the trees, however, are entitled 

 to be classed as picturesque in their winter form. The Coffee bean 

 has been readily propagated by seed planted in the fall or treated with 

 hot water, as describe^ for the locust. They also grow readily from 

 root cuttings or sprouts. 



RUSSIAN MULBERRY. (Morus alia.) 



This tree has not been largely planted by the College or Experi- 

 ment Station, but to 'the extent of its planting has proven a useful 

 and valuable tree. It is inclined to be shrubby in growth, and re- 

 quires vigorous pruning to form a straight trunk. A promising 

 method of pruning is to cut the trees back to the ground after the 

 first or the second year's growth and restrict the coppice growth to 

 one strong, straight shoot. It is not uncommon for the new shoots to 



