FIG. 161 



The wood of the fig-tree is of a spongy texture, and, 

 when charged with oil and emery, is much used on the 

 continent by locksmiths, gunsmiths, and other artificers 

 in iron and steel, to polish their work. This wood is 

 considered almost indestructible, and on that account 

 was formerly used in Egypt, and other eastern countries, 

 for embalming bodies. 



