1886.] BOXWOOD AND ITS SUBSTITUTES. 699 



used for less expensive engraving. This wood answers fairly well 

 for coarse work, but it is a difficult wood to manage, splitting, or 

 rather ' checking,' very badly in drying." This, however, he states 

 in a later letter, " can be overcome by sawing the logs through the 

 centre as soon as cut. It can be obtained in large quantities." 

 Mr. Pi. H. Keene, the engraver before referred to, reports that the 

 wood is very rough, and suitable for bold work. 



Natural Order JSricacca: 



15. Ilhododcndroii maccivuim, L. (Mountain Laurel of Xortli 

 America). — Of this wood it is stated in Porclier's Resources of the 

 Southern Fields and Forests, p. 419, that upon the authority of a 

 well-known engraver at Nashville, Tennessee, the wood is equalled 

 only by "the best boxwood. This species of Bhododendron " abounds 

 on every mountain from Mason and Dixon's line to N^orth Georgia 

 that has a rocky branch." Specimens of this wood submitted to 

 Mr. Scott were so badly selected and seasoned, that it was almost 

 impossible to give it a trial. In consideration of its hardness and 

 apparent good qualities, further experiments should be made. 



16. Fihododcndro'ii ccdifornicurd. — Likewise a North American 

 species; the wood is similar to the last-named. Specimens sent to 

 Kew by Professor Sargent for report in 1882 were so badly 

 seasoned, that no satisfactory opinion could be obtained regarding it. 



17. Kahrda Icdifolia, L. (Calico Bush or Ivy Bush of Xorth 

 America). — The wood is hard and dense, and is much used in 

 America for mechanical purposes. It has been recommended as a 

 substitute for boxwood for engraving, and trials should therefore be 

 made. 



Natural Order FjMcridccc. 



18. Monotoca cUiptica, Pi. Br.— A tall shrub or tree 20 or 30 

 feet high, native of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and 

 Tasmania. The wood has been experimented upon in this country ; 

 and though to all appearances it is an excellent wood, yet Mr. 

 Worthington Smith reported upon it as having a bad surface, and 

 readily breaking away, so that the cuts require much retouching 

 after engraving. 



Ncdural Order Ehenacccc. 



19. Diospijros tcxana.—X North American tree, of the wood of 

 which Professor Sargent speaks favourably. " It is, however," he 

 says, " in Texas at least, rather small, scarcely 6 inches in diameter, 

 and not very common. In Northern Mexico it is said to grow 

 much larger, and could proliaVtly be obtair.od with some trouble in 



