462 WOODY PLANTS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 
In some, it is of a greenish yellow, in others, of a reddish color. 
This last is considered far the most valuable timber. In the 
Western States, it is said there is a black variety. ‘These vari- 
eties are probably dependent on the qualities of the soil. All, 
however, have the properties of strength and durability in a 
remarkable degree. And in these respects and in stifiness, 
hardness, elasticity and weight, the best locust is superior to 
any northern oak. According to Barton, its strength, as com- 
pared with English oak, is as 1867 to 1672. The weight was 
found, at Brest, in 1823, to be one sixth greater than that of 
oak. Experiments made at the Royal Naval College at Wool- 
wich, show its lateral strength 1n resisting fracture, to be to that 
of oak as 100 to 75. 
As long ago as 1601 or 1635, for accounts differ, the locust 
tree was mtroduced into France from America by Jean Robin 
or his son Vespasian, in honor of one or the other of whom, it 
received from Linneus the name of Robinia. Since that time, 
it has been much cultivated in that country and in England, 
for the beauty of its foliage and the fragrance of its flowers. 
In 1823, the celebrated Cobbett, after spending some time in 
America, went back to England, and produced a great sensa- 
tion by his writings in commendation of this tree. For some 
of the purposes for which he recommended it, it has been found 
of little value. lor others, its importance is acknowledged. 
Where resistance to a strain 1s required, it is considered superior 
to any other wood. And the durability of the heart-wood, when 
employed as posts or in fences, or in other situations exposed 
to the weather, is ascertained to be extraordinary. 
In this country, the value of the timber is almost universally 
known and acknowledged. In ship building it is employed for 
floors and floor timber, in preference to any other timber. For 
treenails it is preferred to every other wood, and great quantities 
of it are annually exported for that purpose. In the Middle 
States, where it grows more freely and abundantly than hore, 
it is valued for all uses in which strength is required, and du- 
rability un places in exposure to the weather. For posts of 
gates, therefore, and for sleepers, it has been found invaluable. 
‘The same has been found true in this State, and, for all such 
