216 IIMBER 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 
' 3to 12 inches in diameter, with the bark on, which is thin, 
smooth, and of a grey colour. It has no sap-wood. 
ass Thewood is yellowin 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 £1 5 per ton, 
according to quality and dimensions. 
The specific gravity of Box varies from 950 to 980. 
