Box-Tree, or Buxus, L. a genus of plants containing three species ; namely, the semper virens, or common box, with oval leaves ; the angustifolia, or narrow-leaved box; and the suffruticosa, or Dutch box; the first of which only is indigenous. The two first-mentioned species, grow in great abundance upon Box-hill, near Dorking, in Surrey, where there were formerly large trees of this kind. Of the first species, there are two or three varieties, which are propagated in gardens ; and this, as well as the second, may be cither raised from seeds or cuttings; the latter should be planted or sown in autumn, on a shady border.

Box-trees may be transplanted at any time, except Midsummer, provided they be taken up with a good mass of earth, but the best time for their removal is October. The Dutch, or dwarf-box, is increased by parting the roots, or planting the slips : it should be intermixed with other evergreens.

The uses of the large kind of box are various : many articles of turnery, and musical instruments, are manufactured of its wood: which is of greater specific gravity than any other of European growth, as it will not float upon water. In Paris, combs are made of no other material than this wood; and the quantity imported annually from Spain into that city, is estimated at 10, 000 livres. Box admits of a beautiful polish when made into articles of furniture, for which it is now much employed, as its bitter quality renders it secure from the attacks of worms.

It is asserted, that a decoction of box-wood rubbed on the head, will speedily restore the hair decayed in consequence of malignant fevers ; but care should be taken in applying it, to prevent it from touching the skin of the face, which, in consequence of this embrocation, would likewise, be covered with hair, A similar decoction has been recommended as a powerful sudorific, even preferable to Guaiacum ; though, at present, neither the wood nor the leaves of the box-tree are used for medicinal purposes.