TAA i.3.2.41

                                                                                                  31.

                                 Fraxinus Ornus L. [Oleaceae]; Flowering Ash or Manna Ash.

          Pieces of wood from a composite bow (decorated with Birch 

bark) appear to be this species. Other composite bows were made 

of horn, and were similarly decorated.

          The tree is widely distributed in Southern Europe and Asia 

Minor (Elw.).

          Ash timber (the wood of Fraxinus) is used for many purposes 

where strength and elasticity are required, e.g., spokes and felloes 

of wheels, tool-handles, shafts of carts, etc. (Kew. Bull./<K.B.> 1917, 

p. 291). The wood of the f/<F>lowering Ash is used in general for the 

same purposes as that of the Common Ash (F. excelsior), and especially 

for the spokes of wheels and walking-sticks (Wiesn.).

                   No number, "Sample of wood and bark decoration 

                   from Composite bows."