i8 NATURAL HISTORY OF SELBORNE 



stairs : mud buildings we have none. Besides the employ- 

 ment from husbandry, the men work in hop gardens, of 

 which we have many ; and fell and bark timber. In the 

 spring and summer the women weed the corn ; and 

 enjoy a second harvest in September by hop-picking. 

 Formerly, in the dead months they availed themselves 

 greatly by spinning wool, for making of barragons, a 

 genteel corded stuff, much in vogue at that time for 

 summer wear ; and chiefly manufactured at Alton, a 

 neighbouring town, by some of the people called Quakers : 

 but from circumstances this trade is at end. 1 The 

 inhabitants enjoy a good share of health and longevity ; 

 and the parish swarms with children. 



1 Since the passage above was written, I am happy in being able to say that 

 the spinning employment is a little revived, to the no small comfort of the 

 industrious housewife. [G. W.] 



