Dictionary of Tools and Lnplcviaits 



^1S 



am-incli. The material is then filled in as 

 tightly as possible, and is secured in its posi- 

 tion by screwing up the cone. A ring is then 

 passed over the head and brought down to 

 the extremity of the w' -e which teiminates 

 the screw. This x'xwsi has a small hole, and 



Gardeners and all who use brooms should 

 particularly bear in mind that, whatever the 

 material of which they are made, they will 

 last much longer if soaked in water for some 

 time before using; and that, if kept constantly 

 in water, they will be still less brittle. 



The Rev. Gilbert White, in his " Natural 

 History of Selbourne," mentions a pretty im- 

 plement of housewifery which he has not seen 

 anywhere else ; that is, " little neat besoms 



Fig- 33- Fig. 34. 



at the opposite a female screw. A strong 

 pin with a screw at the end is then inserted 

 in the ring, and, passing through the eye of 

 the centre wire, is screwed into the opposite 

 side of the ring. Fig. 35 shews the head 

 complete. Ingenious though Mr Henderson's 

 invention undoubtedly is, an insuperable ob- 

 jection to its general use (we allude m.ore 

 particularly to the flat and fan-shaped kinds) is 

 the gi-eat weight of the head. In a broom for 

 sweeping short grass and leaves lightness is 

 the great desideratum. The round broom- 

 heads are light enough for all ordinary pur- 

 poses ; and were it possible to produce them 

 at a cheap rate, so as to compete in some de- 

 gree with the common brooms, we have little 

 doubt of their becoming great favourites. 



which our foresters make from the stalks of 

 the Polytricum commune, or great golden 

 maiden-hair, which they call silk-wood, and 

 find plenty in the bogs. When this moss is 

 well combed and dressed, and divested of 

 its outer skin, it becomes of a beautiful bright 

 chestnut colour, and being soft and pliant, is 

 very proper for the dusting of beds, curtains, 

 carpets, hangings, &c. If these besoms were 

 known to the brush-makers in towns, it is 

 probable they might come much in use for 

 the purpose above mentioned." 



