Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-07-17
PROFITABLE TREES
The Black Locust is a Fast Grow
ing Tree, and on
Sandy Soil.
WILLsOLVE FORESTRY
In Northern Michigan is the Argu
ment of e. l. Sprasue OF
Traverse City.

Profitable trees fifteen years after
planting. This is the very pleasing
assurance given by E. L. Sprague, OF
Traverse City. Mr. Sprague is the
veteran editor OF the Traverse City
Eagle. and wa. selected by the news
paper men OF this section OF the state
10 investigate the tree-growing sub
ieot. TO find out so far as he could the
tree that would promise quickest and
hest results TO land owners in north
ern Michigan, and to report his Ind
ings TO the newspapers for the beneht
of all those interested,
Referring to the region in oehaii
Of which he studied mis- investigation
Mr.. Sprague says: 1t is very evident
that something must be done to make
these lands produce something oi
value. There are thousands OF acres
that are absolutely valueless Tor farm
ing purposes, that could be made OF
value in the growing OF trees ana
the question is, what kind OF trees
that are valuable for comercial uses
can be grown upon this sandy soil
that will soonest reach size sutti-
cient TO be made available.
The blacl, locust, sometimes called
the honey locust, and sweet locust is
the tree which Mr.. S9rague urges
should be planted here. In behalf oi
tais tree for this region Mr.. Sprague
explains. 1t is not particular as TO
the quality Of soil and grows rapidly
on our sandy plains. While there are
some varieties OF this timber that are
subject to attack by insects and dis
ease. this variety is hardy and entire
~ free from insect ttacks and dis
ease 1t is hard and solid timber
and is especially we'll adapted for use
for railroad ties and fence posts, as
il is more lasting in The ground than
either white or yellow cedar, and
being much harder, will outlast OAK
or anv other timber that we know oi
for ties. When dry its specific gravity
Is o.e74o and a cubic foot Of it weighs
AZ pounds. 1t is also a valuable tim
Der for the manufacture OF furniture
as it is capable OF receiving high
polish. and being a rapid grower has
large grains, making it most beauti
full wood. As we have said, our light
sandy soil. IS well adapted to its pro
pagation and growth. As showing
how rapid a grower it is, we vii
state that the writer has locust tree
in his yard at Traverse City, whicf
was started from a.sprout OF one sea
sons growth eighteen years ago, anc
today it measues IA inches in diamet
er. There is also a grove OF black
locusts in Traverse City that started
from sprouts from the roots Of othei
trees. that have since been removed
about IA years ago. Some OF these
trees have been taken out, but there
are now standing upon piece o.
light. sandy ground 40 of these trees
growing within a space OF land b,
rods. These trees vary in size iron
four to twelve inches in diameter
Several -oi them are large enough foi
railroad ties and fence posts.
We are surprised that the railroa'
companies, especially those operating
in Michigan. have not long before thi
made use OF part of their right o
way Tor growing black locust for ties
1t strikes us that at least 25 feet o
the outer edge OF their right OF wal
might be prohtably utilized for thi
purpose Besides, a grove OF locus
upon either side OF the road woul'
add greatly 10 the beauty OF the land
scape through which the roads pass
Ii is fine, ornamental tree, with pro
life. sweet smelling blossoms. Th
only objection to it's that its foliag
comes out rather late in the spring
but when it does get out in full lea
and bloom ITS beauty and the swee
perfume with which il Oils the air j
unsurpassed
The black locust is easily propagat
ed vithcr from sprouts or the seed
and the growth Of the tree is SO rapr
f..... ,.f.,ftt.