This wood is sometimes called the Australian mahogany, and is grown chiefly in Western Australia.

It is of a fine rich red colour, even textured, hard, and durable, and, having but little figure, is more like unfigured Honduras than Spanish mahogany. No medullary ray is visible, but the annual rings are fairly distinct.

It is very durable in both wet and dry situations.

The Jarrah is very subject to heart shakes and cup shakes, and for this reason the outer portion of the heart-wood is the best.

This wood is, however, in all its parts liable to shakes and to warping and twisting. It is very hard and extremely difficult to work. These reasons are objections to its general use. It is, however, very little subject to the attack of worms or other insects, and is said to have a disinfecting influence when used in buildings.

Box (Buxus sempervirens) is grown in England, and all over Southern Europe, and in Asia as far east as Persia.

This wood is very heavy, hard, and close grained, and of a light bright-yellow colour.

English box, which is much the hardest variety, is slightly darker in colour, very much more twisted in the fibres, and with more knots than foreign box.

Imported boxwood, generally called Turkey Box, is straighter grained, and is more reliable for many purposes.

There are indications of the annual ring, which cannot, however, be said to be distinct. This is especially the case in English boxwood.

Owing to its prohibitive price it is not much used except for special purposes, where its qualities render it almost invaluable.

The handles and heads of some driving tools and the handles of chisels are sometimes made of box, and it is also extensively used for engraving-blocks.