CHAPTER XXXV. 



WILD AND UNCLASSIFIED FRUITS. 



Buffalo Berry. 



The Buffalo Berry {Shej>herdia argented), as its name indi- 

 cates, is a native of the far West. It is a rather straggling, 

 open shrub of eight to twelve feet, with alternate ovate 

 leaves, silvery on both sides. The fruit, usually bright red 

 (there is a yellow variety), one-quarter inch in diameter, 

 thickly lines the branches and makes it quite ornamental. The 

 berries are not edible until after hard freezing, and then have 

 a brisk, pleasant sub-acid flavor. They are said to be good for 

 jams and sauces. They will hang on the bushes all winter, if 

 the birds permit. 



Eleagnus longipes. 



This fruit is a native of Japan, and when first introduced 

 into this country was called Goumi. The shrub grows to four 

 or five feet in height and blooms in May. Its flowers are 

 small, greenish-yellow, and not conspicuous; it sets a large 

 quantity of berries thickly strung along the branches, smooth 

 or ribbed, oval and dark green, until ripe in July and August, 

 when they change to a beautiful bright glossy crimson pro- 

 fusely dotted with golden yellow spots — one of the most beau- 

 tiful of berries. Until fully matured they are decidedly 

 astringent, but when ripe their flavor is spicy and good. Mr. 

 Williami Falconer says a very good jelly may \^ made from 

 them. 



The bush is very ornamental at all times, and when covered 

 with berries is uncommonly so. Unfortunately the birds seem 



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