26 BROOM-CORN AND BROOMS.' 



not very sharp preferable to one with a keen edge, as they 

 can better avoid cutting oil the leaf. 



PREPARING FOR MARKET. 



CURING THE BRUSH. Notwithstanding the fact that 

 the price is governed by the color of the brush, and that 

 exposure injures the color, some still cure their corn in 

 the most careless manner, an account of which is given 

 here only as a method to be avoided, and to show what 

 poor guides are some of the published instructions. Un- 

 der cutting is mentioned the plan of laying the brush on 

 beds of stalks between the rows ; this is left in the sun 

 for two or three days, then tied up into bundles and 

 stacked in small round stacks, which are covered with 

 stalks, laid on in such a manner that the top will shed 

 rain, while the air can pass through below. It is left in 

 this manner two or three weeks, to be cured, though 

 with this treatment for all profitable sale, it is more 

 likely to be effectually billed. The writer who recom- 

 mends this is one who does not cut his corn until the 

 seeds are nearly ripe. 



Even for home use, the brush should be cured under 

 cover, as exposure renders it brittle, and without that 

 toughness and elasticity which we look for in a good 

 broom. Those who raise only small quantities can easily 

 dry it under some shed, or other out-building. All that 

 is required is a roof to cover it, and a free circulation of 

 air. Before describing the building for drying, we will 

 consider 



THE SCRAPING, OR KEMOVAL OF THE SEEDS. To 

 clean a small quantity of brush for one's own use, several 

 simple devices will answer. A wooden comb made by 

 sawing teeth in a plank, will do the work. Small lots 

 may be cleaned by using a long toothed curry comb. A sort 

 of three-toothed hatchel was formerly in use, before the in- 



