144 RUSH. 



The softer texture of the rush makes it preferable to wheat- 

 straw used in many places for mattresses; and about two 

 hundred years ago even the palace-floors of wealthy sovereigns, 

 both kings and queens, were covered with rushes, carpets 

 not being then known. Several farms or manors in Great 

 Britain are still held upon the condition that the tenant shall 

 furnish rushes for the floor of the sovereign s bed-chamber 

 when he shall visit the neighboring hunting-places and castles. 



