NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE. 193 
— 
always the worst economists, and therefore must continue very 
poor, buy a halfpenny candle every evening, which in their 
blowing open rooms, does not burn much more than two hours. 
Thus they have only two hours light for their money instead of 
eleven. 
While on the subject of rural economy, it may not be improper 
to mention a pretty implement of housewifery that we have seen 
nowhere else ; that is, little neat besoms 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 town, it is probable they might come much in use for 
the purpose above-mentioned. T 
I am, &c. 
* Or in Scotland, zg, where it is commonly used for besoms, making an excellent 
tmplement; also plaited into door-mats for the feet. 
+ A besom of this sort is to be seen in Sir Ashton Lever’s Museum. 
~. 
RUSH-HOLDER. 
