216 TIMBER AND TIMBER TREES. [CHAP. 



and early decay. I imagine, therefore, that it is un- 

 suitable for building purposes. 



The specific gravity of European Birch is about 700, 

 and that of American about 600 to 640. 



THE BOX TREE (Buxus sempervirens) 

 is found nearly all over the South of Europe, from Spain 

 to the Sea of Marmora ; but in this country only 

 sparingly on warm, chalky hill-sides. It is also found in 

 the West Indies. 



The Box tree seldom attains timber dimensions, and 

 is not a building wood ; it is, however, invaluable to the 

 mathematical instrument maker, the turner, and the 

 wood engraver, on account of the closeness of its grain 

 and evenness of texture ; and in the manufacturing 

 districts it is in great request for bosses and boxes in 

 connection with their machinery. 



Boxwood of excellent quality is imported from 

 Abasia, in Circassia, and also from Turkey. It is 

 brought in round logs or billets, 3 to 8 feet in length, by 

 3 to 12 inches in diameter, with the bark on, which is thin, 

 smooth, and of a grey colour. It has no sap-wood. 



The wood is yellow in colour, hard, heavy, free from heart- 

 shake, and about the most solid at the pith that can be 

 met with. It works up smoothly and with a silky lustre. 



Boxwood is liable to split somewhat spirally from 

 the outside of the log, but stands well after being worked, 

 when thoroughly seasoned ; and as it is seldom required 

 for use except in small dimensions, no great loss is 

 ever sustained in its conversion. 



Boxwood is sold by weight, and in the London and 

 Liverpool markets realises from 4 to ^"15 per ton, 

 according to quality and dimensions. 



The specific gravity of Box varies from 95 o to 980. 



