MATTING AND BASKET-MAKING. 117 



Sharp Rush Juncus acutus. 



This sort does not grow so strong in England as on 

 the banks of the Maese, where it sometimes is found 

 more than four feet high. 



Two species of Junci, the conglomerates and 

 effusus, are used as wicks fer rushlights. The Ro- 

 mans applied different kinds of rushes to a similar 

 purpose, as we learn from Pliny that the pith of 

 junci was made into flambeaux, and formed the 

 wicks of the wax-candles employed at funerals. 



In Japan, where the floor of every house is covered 

 with matting, this species of manufacture has attained 



