XXIII 



B. SEMPERVIRENS Continued 

 Uses 



ALTHOUGH in the British Isles the 

 " Common Box" is used almost 

 exclusively for decorative purposes, 

 its timber forms in some countries a 

 valuable article of commerce. The wood is very 

 hard, smooth grained, and durable, and it has 

 been used largely from the time of the ancients 

 to the present date. In ancient times it was 

 used for ornamental boxes and inlaid with ivory. 

 It has been thought to be the Ashur wood of 

 scripture, and as such was used with inlaying of 

 ivory in the decorative splendour of Tyre (see 

 Plant Lore). In more modern times its greatest 

 use has been for blocks for wood engravings, 

 whilst it has also been used for cabinet-making, 

 mathematical instruments, handles of tools, 

 combs, rulers, walking-sticks, and many other 

 things. Evelyn refers to the use of the wood as 

 follows : " The turner, engraver, carver, mathe- 

 matical instrument, comb and pipe makers, give 



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