Box.... Stoicism. 
The common Box, of which our hedge is formed, is 
indigenous in England, preferring the chalky hills of 
Surrey and Kent for its residence, but flourishing well 
on other soils. It is one of the most useful evergreen 
shrubs we possess, and especially as it will grow under 
the drip and shadow of other trees, as you know is the 
case with our hedge. It is found in most European 
countries, from Britain southwards, also about Mount 
Caucasus, Persia, China, Cochin China, and America. 
It was formerly much more common in England than 
now, having disappeared under the spread of agricul¬ 
ture. Box-hill, in Surrey, is named from this tree, and 
is a conical elevation covered with a wood of Box-trees, 
some of large size. Boxley in Kent, and Boxwell in 
Gloucestershire, are also named from it. The leaf and 
general appearance of the tree are too familiar to re¬ 
quire any description. The scent of the spring blos¬ 
soms is rather powerful, and to some persons unplea¬ 
sant. The timber is very valuable, it is sold by weight, 
and, being very hard and smooth, and not apt to warp, 
is well adapted for many nice and delicate purposes. 
In the days of good old Evelyn, it appears to have been 
as much used as at present, for he says, “It is good 
for the turner, engraver, carver, mathematical instru¬ 
ment maker, comb and pipe, or flute-maker, and the 
roots for the inlayer and cabinet-maker. Of box are 
made wheels, sheaves, pins, pegs for musical instru¬ 
ments, nut-crackers, button-moulds, weavers’ shuttles, 
hollar-sticks, bump-sticks, and dressers for the shoe- 
