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, f 



I am, &c. 



* Or in Scotland, ling, where it is commonly used for besoms, making an excellent 

 implement ; also plaited into door-mats for the feet. 



f A besom of this sort is to be seen in Sir Ashton Lever's Museum. 



RUSH-HOLDER. 



