40 FOREST BELTS OF WESTERN KANSAS AND NEBRASKA, 
and are so nearly alike in their qualities, that no distinction need 
be made between them. They are common throughout, and are prob- 
wbly the most abundant of all the broadleaf trees in the region. 
Though rather slow growers, the ashes are hardy, have a good form, 
and often reach a diameter of 2 feet. 
The wood is tough and strong, but only moderately durable. It 
is valuable for tool handles and wagon work and makes good fuel. 
In some localities the trees are much injured by borers. 
BUFFALO BERRY. 
The buttalo berry (Lepargyraca argentea) is a small, thorny tree. 
It is a mountam species which has spread over nearly all of Ne- 
braska, but is more plentiful in the western part of the State. It 
erows in clumps, like the wild plum, and attains a height of from 10 
to 15 feet. The small, sour, currant-like red or yellow fruit is pro- 
duced in great abundance and is much used for domestic purposes. 
The tree is very hardy, and is being propagated to some extent by 
nurserymen and horticulturists. 
