CATALOGUE OF THE TIMBERS OF THE WORLD 37 



Boxwood, African. Buxus Macowani, Oliv. Weight, 54 lbs. 11 oz. 

 South Africa. 



An alternative name which is sometimes used, is East London box- 

 wood. 



The colour is a bright yellow, very similar to the Turkish variety, but 

 a little brighter, and with a slight tendency to be flecked \^•ith small black 

 marks. The wood is firm, dense, hard, and very strong, and compares 

 favourably with the Turkish. It is imported in logs ranging from 3 to 20 

 feet in length and i\ to 9 inches in diameter, with a few larger pieces. 

 The timber is available in apparently unlimited quantities. It is slightly 

 more wasteful in conversion than the other kinds, as it develops small 

 faulty places, knots, and wens. It stands well and is not so liable to split 

 in the log as either the Persian or West Indian wood. It is desirable, 

 however, that the same care should be taken with its storage as is necessary 

 with other kinds of boxwoods. 



The structure of the wood most resembles that of the British, with 

 which it compares favourably. The medullary ra\'S are shghtly less 

 noticeable and numerous. 



Boxwood, European. Buxus sempervirens, Linn. 



(i) British. Weight, 70 lbs.- — This can be obtained in diameters from 

 I inch to about 4 inches, with a few larger pieces which measure perhaps 

 up to about 7 inches. The intrinsic quahty of the wood compares 

 favourably with the best known Abasian, and it seems probable that its 

 present unfavourable reputation is largely due to want of care in the 

 manner in which it is harvested. It is important that it should only be 

 cut dow'n during the month of January. Immediately after the feUing of 

 the trees the wood should be placed in a dry pit a Httle below the level of 

 the ground, and covered with dry straw. If possible it should remain 

 in this position for two years before use. It should then be removed only 

 as required, and in no circumstances should it be taken into a hot work- 

 room and be allowed to remain there for even a few hours. It should 

 then be shaped roughly to the required pattern and placed in a steam 

 box and thoroughly steamed. After this process it can be used for the 

 most difficult work without fear of splitting. It is whiter than the other 

 sorts, and a little more Uable to a bluish discoloration. In the early part 

 of the eighteenth century British boxwood was in great demand. Ehves 

 and Henry mention that as much had been cut down at Box Hill within a 

 few years (of 1712 a.d.) as amounted in value to £3000. Now% however, 

 the report says that only £1 per ton can be obtained, and "even at that low 

 price no one seems to want it." Since the w^ar it has been more in request, 

 and it is to be hoped that in the future its undoubted value may be 

 recognised once more, and greater care taken in its preserv^ation and use. 



