Box-wood

A firm, fine-grained wood, used in engraving. As it is difficult to procure very large pieces of this wood, owing to the small circumference of the box-tree, an ingeneous method of bolting several blocks together in order to produce engravings of an extraordinary size. This is done by means of screws inserted at the back of the block and fastened by nuts.

Great care must be used with bolted blocks not to let them get wet as in drying they arel iable to warp and expose the joints. After being used for printing they should be well washed with turpentine and placed carefully in a dry cupboard free from heat. Large blocks should be stood on end to prevent warping.—(See Engraving.)