LOCUST-TREE. A name given to various trees of the natural order Leguminosa. The carob•tree (CtrOonia sdnguw ) is often so called in the countries bordering on the i1lediterranean. The loeust-tree of America ( also called the false acacia or thorn-acacia, and on the Continent of Europe very generally the acacia, is valuable. It is of rapid growth and is very ornamental, especially when in Power. On ac count of its rapid growth. spiny branches. au l ability to withstand trimming, it is consi lered a valuable hedge tree. Its generic name is derived from John Robin, who is said to have introduced the tree into France about the year Dino. It succeeds well as a forest tree in Europe except in the North. where it suffers from frost. Locust wood is compact, hard, takes a gond polish. and is useful for all purposes in which great strf moue and especially toughness is required. a quality
which makes it valuable in 1,r which large quantities are used. It is also valu able for making the of wheels. In the United States the Robinia attains its best devel opment in Kentucky, Tennessee, and vicinity. where in rich soil it reaches 70 to col feet and 3 feet in diameter. The tree is especially subject to insect injuries, on which account it is often condemned. The honey locust tree is a Gleditsehia. The locust tree of the West Indies Illyniciffra emu-burin is a gigantic tree. whose pods supply a mealy nutritious substance in which the seeds are imbedded. It is sweet and pleasant, but reputed as inducing diarrluna \\lien recently gathered. A fermented decoction is used as beer. See CAnon; IloNEv-LOCUST; and Plate accompanying LIM I:4RM.