CHAP, vi SYLVA 295 



use of the Dutch-box, (rarely found growing in 

 England) which is a pumil dwarf kind, with a smaller 

 leaf, and slow of growth, and which needs not be 

 kept above two inches high, and yet grows so close, 

 that beds bordered with boards, keep not the earth 

 in better order ; beside the pleasantness of the verdure 

 is incomparable. 



One thing more I think fit to add ; That it may 

 be convenient once in four, or five, or six years, to 

 cut off the strings and roots which straggle into the 

 borders, with a very sharp spade, that they may not 

 prejudice the flowers, and what else one plants in 

 them. 



I need not speak much of the uses of this tree, 

 (growing in time to considerable stature) so continu- 

 ally sought after for many utensils, being so hard, 

 close and pondrous as to sink like lead in water, and 

 therefore of special use for the turner, ingraver, carv- 

 er, mathematical-instrument, comb and pipe-makers 



(si buxos inflare juvat Virg.) gi ye great prices for 



it by weight, as well as measure; and by the seasoning, 

 and divers manner of cutting, vigorous insolations, 

 politure and grinding, the roots of this tree (as of 

 even our common and neglected thorn) do furnish 

 the inlayer and cabinet-makers with pieces rarely 

 undulated, and full of variety. Also of box are made 

 wheels or shivers (as our ship-carpenters call them) 

 and pins for blocks and pullies ; pegs for musical 

 instruments ; nut-crackers, weavers-shuttles, hollar- 

 sticks, bump-sticks, and dressers for the shooe-maker, 

 rulers, rolling-pins, pestles, mall-balls, beetles, topps, 

 tables, chess-men, screws, male and female, bobins 

 for bone-lace, spoons, nay the stoutest axle-trees, but 

 above all, 



