418 PRACTICAL ARBORICULTURE 
THE BLACK LOCUST. 
Robinia Pseudacacia. 
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 grass 
ef 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. 
