48 BROOM-CORN AND BROOMS. 



17. Point the needle forward in making each stitch, so 

 as to have it come out on the opposite side a little further 

 along each time. A second twine may be tied around, 

 and a second sewing may then be made further towards 

 the lower end. Three sewings are sometimes made. 

 Two will generally be enough, except where the brush is 

 very long. The broom is now ready for its handle. To 

 put this in place, sharpen the lower end of the handle, 

 and drive it exactly in the center of the neck of the 

 broom, and fasten it with two small nails upon opposite 

 sides, and the broom is 

 complete. The lower 

 ends of the brush may 

 need clipping a little to 

 make them even. With 



,.,,, ,. Fig. 17. THE BROOM. 



a little practice a very 



neat broom may thus be made. They may be made still 

 more tasteful, though not stronger nor more durable, by 

 using wire instead of twine, and by paring down the 

 stalks, so as to make a smaller, neater shank. 



ANOTHER METHOD. 



A short time after the publication of the foregoing, a 

 communication was received from Mr. John Bennet, of 

 Eipley Co., Ind., giving his method of working. He 

 says : " Put the but-ends of the brush in warm water to 

 soak awhile. When sufficiently softened, tack one end 

 of a strong twine to the broom handle, about three inches 

 from its lower end. Fasten the other end of the string, 

 which is about two feet long, to a small round stick upon 

 which you step with loth feet, as shown in the engraving, 

 figure 18. Lay on the brush, one stalk at a time, and 

 give the handle a turn sufficient to hold each new stalk 

 firmly. Continue putting on and winding, until three 

 layers have been secured, pulling upward as the handle 



