42 SYLVA FLORIFERA. 



locust-tree. * We have now collected thir- 

 teen different species of this tree, all of 

 which bear the generic name of Robinia. 



Europe owes this vegetable beauty to Mon- 

 sieur Jean Robin, nurseryman to the king of 

 France, and author of a " History of Plants," 

 who first brought the seeds from Canada ; 

 and, in gratitude for the gift, botanists have 

 given it the name of Robinia. f Soon after 

 it's introduction into France, the English 

 gardeners received seeds from Virginia, from 

 which manv trees were raised. Parkinson 

 observes in his Theatre of Plants, which was 

 published in 1640, that "it was grown of an 

 exceeding height, by Mr. Tradescant ; " and 

 Evelyn recommends it to the nation in his 

 Sylva, which was presented to the Royal 

 Society in 1662. In this work, he says, "The 

 acacia deserves a place among our avenue 

 trees, adorning our walks with their exotic 

 leaves and sweet flowers ; very hardy against 

 the pinchihg winter ; but not so proof against 

 it's blustering winds." This great man, who 

 so eminently displayed his desire to embel- 



* A name which most probably was given to it by some 

 of the early missionaries* who would wish to create a belief 

 that it was the same tree the fruit of which supported jSt. 

 John when in the wilderness. 



f Gerard received the nasturtium seed from M. J. Robin. 



