16 



T H E CUBA R E \' I K W 



The leaves and Fruit of the West 

 Indian Locust Tree. 



p\i1)lishe<l an article on this inipurtant tree in the Pharmaceutical . Journal , \'<)1. VI, 1847, page 

 520, doiiV)tfully states that tlie wood is said to weigh 100 jiounds per cubic foot. The wood is of 

 a fine reddish Viro\\ii with Hghter and darker streaks or veins, often grading into a dark mahog- 

 any color, and when properly filled and finished makes a beautifid apjiearance, closely reseml)- 

 ling true mahogany. The grain is verk* compact and even, and is noted for its beauty and its 

 susceptibihty of a high i)olish. It works well, does not split or warp in seasoning and is very 

 durable above the ground. 



Baterden, in his book on timber, states that ^^'est Indian locust is harder than ma hogany 

 and stronger than oak in every way. The resu ts of Capt . Fowke's experiments show that the 

 breaking weight of a piece of wood two inches square, one foot between supports and sub- 

 mitted to a transverse strain, was 6171.2 pounds. The crushing strain in the direction of the 

 fiber of a cubic inch of the wood was 88 IS. 4 pounds. 



The uses to which this wood is put are very numerous. It was formerly classed as import- 

 ant boat-btiilding timber and was shipjied to England in large quantities for \ise as treenails 

 in planking, quays, and vessels and as beams and planks for fitting up steam engines. The fact 

 that the wood does not readily split or warp renders it very suitable for mill timbers and en- 

 gine beds. In the early days it was the principal wood employed for the crushing wheels 

 and similar things on coffee estates. Another important use was for the cogged wheels in 

 sugar mills. It is valuable for a great varierj- of construction works and is considered one of 

 the foremost woods for carpentry, cabinet work and fine furniture. One authority states that 

 doors made from this timber bear comparison in point of beauty with the finest specimen of 

 Haitian mahogany. The wood is not adajjted for exposure to the weather, and hence its use 

 in the tropics is confined largely to works that are jjrotected against the elements. 



The timber is not the <mly valuable j)roduct of this tree, but all parts of it are available 

 for use. The fruit consists of a large woody pod which is of a deep brown or cinnamon color. 

 It is thick and flat and from three to four inches in length and about two inches in width. 

 These pods contain from four to eight rather large bean-like seeds imbedded in a yellowish 

 pulp which becomes sweet, dr>- and mealy as the pods ripen. They are eaten by children, 

 and during times of scarcity constitute an important article of food to the Indians and negroes 



