206 TAGG—VEGETABLE REMAINS FROM THE SITE OF 
was probably procured locally, for twigs of this species 
were found, in some cases with bark attached, among the 
material from the refuse pits. It is probable also that the birch 
used as a pick handle (No. 2, Table II) was similarly derived. 
Both birch and rowan are hard and tough woods which do not 
readily split. 
ne of the most interesting specimens submitted was a 
piece of basket-work made of the cleaned cores of stems of the 
hair-moss (Polytrichum commune). The stems of this moss 
are commonly a foot to eighteen inches long, and often attain 
a length considerably greater. The central stele, when cleaned, 
forms, as I have proved for myself, a tough pliable strand 
easily plaited, and quite suitable for the formation of such 
articles as baskets. When freshly cleaned, the core has 
a reddish colour and glossy surface, and basket work of the 
material would not only be quite strong, but would, at least at first, 
have an attractive appearance. I am indebted to Mr J. Masters 
Hellier, the curator of the Kew Museums, for particulars of 
articles made of this moss in the Kew Collections, and I give his © 
list, as it supplies one with an idea of the use made of the moss 
in recent times. 
List OF ARTICLES IN THE KEW MUSEUMS MADE OF 
HAIR Moss, POLYTRICHUM COMMUNE, L. 
1, Basket from near Wallington, Northumberland, 
received at Kew - . 1851. 
2. Broom and brush, from Munich, secnivedl 4 at ew 1858. 
3. Hassock, from Yorkshire, : = (a 185s 
4. Broom, from Sussex, 1852. 
5. Broom used by people at Hiawitiead: near 
winadnels received at Kew - - - 1855. 
“A four-plied piaited object made of the long stems” of this 
hair-moss, and a “ fringe-like structure made by plaiting together 
at one end” the long strands of the same moss, were found at 
the Lochlee Crannog.! 
These records seem to indicate that a knowledge of the pliable | 
and tough nature of the stems of this moss and of its usefulness 
* Munro, in Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland, vol. xiii. 
