The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-09-20
THE HONEY-LOCUST TREE.
In Spite of Prejudice Against 1t 1t Is
Tree of Much Value.

September Arboriculture.
An unwarranted prejudice exists among
many who plant trees. against this, of
the most magnificent shade trees of Ameri-
ca. Where in all the wide world can be
found handsomer tree. No tree In exist
ence possesses more beautiful or more
graceful foliage. sprays of which were
shown in Arboriculture for October. 1902
The trees are perfectly hardy in all por-
tions of the United States, 1t being one Of
half a dozen species of American trees
which have survived through thirty years
of neglect, among the hundreds planted by
5. t. Kelsey for the Santa Fe Railway in
western Kansas.
The honey locust has few insect pests
and no serious disease t, contend with. 1t
is by no means a slow growing tree, if
reasonable care is used in the planting and
subsequent treatment. If one will plant a
tree in a hole suited only for a fence post
by all means stick a cottonwood in, but
If a satisfactory progress in growth is
holes. well filled with good soil must be
prepared.
Few. if any of the beautiful avenues of
trees in washington city SurpasS those of
the honey locust which were planted by
William Saunders while he was commits
sioner of parks for the District of Column
bia. There is not one tree In Salt Lake
City which is so handsome or so grand for
shade as those on Second street South
about Second West. Here are several very
large and fine honey locust trees which
ought TO be a pattern for Utah tree-plant-
ers.
The honey locust makes an excellent
screen, where planted closely. and is used
in places, for hedge. but does not thicken
up sufficiently 10 make an effective pro-
lection against hogs 1t has no bad habit
of suckerng, is one of the cleanest of trees
in existence and is entitled to high place
in the estimation CT all tree lovers Among
trees for city streets. where dust, smoke
street pavements, tramping, and the con-
slant improvements which are SO objection
able to almost every other tree. the honey
locust grows right along. affording q shade
and grateful for the little favors il re-
ceives. Yet with better treatment is shows
its gratitude in the brighter color and
greater beauty of its foliage. But little
pruning is required with this tree as il
naturally forms round head with spread
ing branches il left to choose for itself
no relationship with the black or yellow
locust, which is Robinia pseudocacia
The flowers are inconspicuous and would
not be found except upon close examina-
tions These are succeeded by long broad
curled pods, which contain The hard. horny
seeds, embedded in sweetish, honey-like
wax.
a small variety. G.. acquatica grows in
swamps. There is disputed question In
regard TO the durability of the wood when
used for posts. Ny understanding, however
is that mature wood seas oned is quite
durable The wood Is OF a reddish color,
with quite n handsome grain. Ii makes cx-
cellent lumber. suitable for any cabinet
work. but the supply is insufficient to give
il market value.
The ease with which il IS grown hardi-
ness. rapid maturity. and general value OF
the timber should commend the honey
locust for eXistensive forest planting
In sproutng the seed for planting they
should be soaked in quite hot water for n
long time. Otherwise they may remain in
the ground several years. When cattle eat
the pods, of which they are fond the seeds
are sOftened while passing through the
animals stomach. and all grow the first
season. thus they are found in pastures
in dense thickets.