HUSKS (keratia, Lu 15:16) are almost certainly the pods of the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), commonly called the locust tree. This common Palestine tree is distinguished by its beautiful dark glossy foliage. The long pods, which ripen from May to August according to the altitude, are even to-day used as food by the poor; a confection is made from them. But they are used chiefly for cattle. The name 'St. John's bread' is given to these pods, from a tradition that these, and not locusts, composed the food of St. John the Baptist, but see Food, 18.

E. W. G. Masterman.