See EBENUS.—This wood is exceedingly hard, heavy, and susceptible of a very fine polish; on which account it is used in Mosaic and inlaid works, toys, &c. The best is of a jet black, free of veins and rind, very massive, astringent, and of a sharp pungent taste.

The cabinet-makers, inlayers, &c. make pear-tree and other woods pass for ebony, by ebonising, or giving it the black colour. This done by a few washes of a hot decoction of galls, and when dry adding writing ink theron, and polishing it with a stiff brush and a little hot wax. Others heat, or burn their wood black.