THE MANUFACTURE OF BROOMS 55 



With a little practice a very neat broom may thus 

 be made. They may be made still more tasteful, 

 though not stronger nor more durable, by using wire 

 instead of twine, and by paring down the stalks, so 

 as to make a smaller, neater shank." 



A slightly different method is described by an- 

 other writer to the same paper. He says: "Put 

 the butt-ends of the brush in warm water to soak 

 awhile. When sufficiently softened, tack one end 

 of a strong twine to the broom handle, about three 

 inches from its lower end. Fasten the other end of 

 the string, which is about two feet long, to a small 

 round stick upon which you step with both feet. Lay 

 on the brush, one stalk at a time, and give the handle 

 a turn sufficient to hold each new stalk firmly. Con- 

 tinue putting on and winding, until three layers have 

 been secured, pulling upward as the handle is turned 

 to tighten the string. Now commence another row 

 nearer the lower end of the handle, and proceed as 

 before, finishing the third course or tier with the 

 longest and finest brush. Wind the cord around 

 snugly a few times after the brush is all on, and 

 fasten the end with a carpet tack. To make a broad 

 or flat broom, more of the brush may be put upon 

 two opposite sides than upon the other portions. 

 Then tie the two ends of a string the right length, 

 slip it over the handle, and to a suitable place upon 

 the broom, and sew. You now have as neat a broom 

 as you can buy, and stronger than most of those in the 

 market. With a little practice they can be made 

 very quickly. Wire can be used instead of twine." 



