20 



about October, after which they may be gathered and sown at once, 

 or kept in a dry, cold place until spring. The sumach is found in 

 thickets, both on the borders of streams and on dry hill sides; it 

 seems to grow more rapidly, however, on the moist soil and usually 

 produces there a stem more or less free of branches. 



LOCUST TREE, BLACK LOCUST, YELLOW LOCUST. 

 Robinia Pseudacacia, L. 



The locust has many qualities that recommend it to the tree 

 planter. The foliage and blossoms make it suitable for a shade tree, 

 especially along country roads. It is a rapid grower and can be re- 

 produced easily from seeds or from root suckers. It will grow on 

 any soil that is not wet, and, like all leguminous plants, it improves 

 the soil on which it grows. Moreover the wood is strong and of 

 great durability. Yellow locust wood is supposed to be more valu- 

 able than white locust wood, but both come from this species. 



The fruit, a pod enclosing several seeds, is matured in September 

 and may be gathered from the tree any time after that, for frequently 

 they remain on the tree all winter. The seeds may be threshed out 

 with a flail and cleansed by running them through a winnowing ma- 

 chine. Field mice are fond of them, consequently it is best to keep 

 them for spring planting, which is easily done if ihej are kept in a 

 cool, dry atmosphere. Before planting, put them into scalding water 

 and remove them as soon as they swell up. Repeat the operation 

 ulmtil all are ready, then plant at once in the seed bed, about six 

 inches apart each way. The young plants may remain in the beds 

 one or two years when they may be set out permanently at four foot 

 distances. At first sight of the borer's w^ork cut off the branch or 

 the whole stem and burn it. If branchy when transplanted prun- 

 ing will be necessary. It may be planted by itself or mixed with 

 other species, as yellow poplar, catalpa, walnut, etc. 



JUDAS TREE, RED BUD. 



Cercis Canadensis, L. 



Hardly more than a shrub. Its wood is seldom if ever used. In 

 spring the bush is aflame with red flowers, making it worthy of a 

 place on the lawn. The fruit is a legume, or pod, ripening in autumn. 



