136 FAMILIAR TREES 
Achras Gaertn. has broader leaves, more abruptly 
pointed, which always remain downy or flocculent 
below, and a more globular fruit, rounded at its stalk 
end; whilst P. Briggsii Bosw.-Syme, as has already 
been stated, has almost smooth “cordate” leaves and. 
a very small globose fruit. 
The wood of the Wild Pear is heavy, strong, 
compact, fine-grained, and of a reddish-brown tint. 
Though inferior to Box and Hawthorn for engraving, 
it has long been used for this and kindred purposes. 
Gerard says it “likewise serveth to be cut into many 
kindes of moulds, not only such prints as these 
figures are made of, but also many sorts of pretty 
toies, for coifes, breast-plates, and such like, vsed 
among our English gentlewomen.” 
It is commonly employed for T squares and 
other drawing instruments, or is stained black in 
imitation of ebony; and it is said to be excellent 
as fuel, and to yield good charcoal. 
