XVIII.] ALDER. 163 



Liverpool markets realises about 28s. per cwt. when 

 sold in small quantities, as it usually is, according to 

 quality and dimensions. 



The specific gravity of Box varies from 950 to 980. 



Boxwood is still regarded as the best for engraving, 

 in spite of many attempts to replace it by various sub- 

 stitutes,* of which the Hawthorn {Craicegus) is perhaps 

 the most satisfactory yet found, and certain American 

 Rhododendrons and some species of Diospyros. 



ALDER {Alnus glutinosa) 



is a native of this country, and requires a moist porous 

 soil to bring it to perfection. It is generally found near 

 to streams, rivers, and swampy places, where it attains 

 a height of about 50 feet, with a circumference of from 

 2 to 4 feet. 



The wood is reddish-white in colour, soft, and light, 

 with a smooth, fine grain. It works up well, makes good 

 clogs and soles for shoes, and is used in a variety of 

 ways, but is of no great value to the carpenter, except 

 for the making of packing-cases. It has been used for 

 piles, pipes, sluices, etc., and is durable when kept 

 wholly submerged ; it is not now, however, much in 

 request for these purposes, as Elm timber is considered 

 to be far preferable. 



The wood of the stem is very plain, and only em- 

 ployed for minor services ; but the roots and knots being 

 often richly veined, are used by the turner and cabinet- 

 maker for the manufacture of small wares. The bark 

 is used by dyers and tanners, and charcoal made from 

 the wood is employed in the manufacture of gunpowder. 



* See Jackson, Journal of the Socisty of Arts, 1886, 



M a 



