BRUSH AND MAT MATERIALS. 163 



Bear, Syrian. The hairs of this animal are several inches in length, 

 and in general appearance resemble the bristles of the Hog, but are 

 pliable and pendent when attached to the pelt of the animal. 



Fig. 108 shows two of the hair-like bristles as seen under the quarter- 

 inch objective. They have a deep-seated central medulla and thickened, 

 transparent margins. The structure of the margin and central portions 

 of these hairs, as thus seen, indicates some felting features. 



Fig. 108. Hair of Syrian Bear. 



Hog Bristles (Sus scrofa). These are largely imported from Russia 

 in their rough state. They are then sorted and classified ; the longest, 

 finest, and straightest are used by shoemakers. At one time cobblers 

 used these bristles for stitching purposes under the name "Tatchiug 

 ends," which were retailed at three or four for a penny, and are now 

 sold at 6d. to 8d. per quarter-ounce. 



Bristles are used for making long rotatory brushes used by hair- 

 dressers, and some of the softer bristles are convenient for the brushes 

 used by painters. Substitutes are inferior to natural bristles. 



Fig. 109 represents a few Hog bristles, showing their cylindrical 

 character with bulbs at their bases. 



At Leipsic in Saxony and St Petersburg in Russia the great bristle 

 fairs are held once or twice a year. The great woodland ranges of Russia, 

 North-Eastern Europe, and particularly of Siberia, are the important 

 districts from which the bristles of the swine are brought to the 

 fairs. Bristles are also shipped from India and China to London. 



