136 FAMILIAR TREES 



Achras Gaertn. has broader leaves, more abruptly 

 pointed, which always remain downy or flocculent 

 below, and a more globular fruit, rounded at its stalk ' 

 end ; whilst P. Briggsii Bosw.-Syme, as has already 

 been stated, has almost smooth " cordate " leaves and 

 a very small globose fruit. 



The wood of the Wild Pear is heavy, strong, 

 compact, fine-grained, and of a reddish-brown tint. 

 Though inferior to Box and Hawthorn for engraving, 

 it has long been used for this and kindred purposes. 

 Gerard says it " likewise serve th to be cut into many 

 kindes of moulds, not only such prints as these 

 figures are made of, but also many sorts of pretty 

 toies, for coifes, breast-plates, and such like, vsed 

 anions our English gentlewomen." 



It is commonly employed for T squares and 

 other drawing instruments, or is stained black in 

 imitation of ebony ; and it is said to be excellent 

 as fuel, and to yield good charcoal. 



