296 Eleventh Annual Report 



this tree occurs in all parts of Indiana. It is rare in the northern 

 part and increases in frequency toward the south. It is most abundant 

 in rich soil near streams and just back of the flood plain. In the 

 southern part of the State it is found in patches, where it is some- 

 times the principal species on areas of an acre or more. In the 

 northern part of the State it is commonly a medium sized tree, 

 8-15 m. (25-50 feet) high and 3-5 dm. (12-20 inches) in diameter. 

 In the southern part of the State it is usually somewhat larger. 



The published records of the distribution are as follows: Cass 

 (Hessler) ; Clark (Baird and Taylor) ; Dearborn (Collins) ; Delaware, 

 Jay, Randolph and Wayne (Phinney); Fountain (Brown); Franklin 

 (Meyncke); Gibson (Schneck); Hamilton (Wilson); Jefferson 

 (Barnes) and (Coulter); Knox (Ridgway) and (Thomas); Kosci- 

 usko and Laporte (Coulter); Marion (Wilson); Miami (Gorby); 

 Monroe (Blatchley); Noble (Van Gorder); Parke (Hobbs); Posey 

 (Schneck); Putnam (MacDougal); Steuben (Bradner); Tippecanoe 

 (Cunningham); Vigo (Blatchley). 



Additional records are: Putnam (Grimes); Tippecanoe (Coul- 

 ter); Hancock, Orange, Vermillion, Wells (Deam). 



Economic uses. Wood heavy, not hard, strong, coarse-grained, 

 checks on drying, works easily, takes a high polish, sap wood con- 

 sisting of 5 or 6 years' growth, light colored, heart wood light brown 

 with a tinge of red. It is said to be durable in contact with the 

 soil, although this is disputed by a majority of those who have 

 tried it. The pioneers used the roasted nuts as a substitute for 

 coffee to some extent, which gave the tree its common name. The 

 bruised leaves covered with sweetened water were used as a fly 

 poison. 



Horticultural value. It is occasionally planted as an ornamental 

 tree. It is not a rapidly growing tree, leaves appear late and fall 

 early. The absence of small branches make it unattractive in the 

 winter condition and when used it is no doubt to satisfy a desire 

 for variety. 



FABACE^. The Pea Family. 



ROBINIA The Locust. 



Robinia Pseudo-Acacia Linnaeus. Locust. Black Locust. 

 Yellow Locust. Plate 106. Bark deeply furrowed, dark brown; 

 twigs slender, zigzag, green and hairy when young, becoming smooth 

 and reddish-brown, older branches armed with pairs of short and 



