THE MANUFACTURE OF BROOMS 53 
With 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.” 
A slightly. different method is described by an- 
other writer to the same paper. He says: “Put 
the butt-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 both feet. Lay 
on the brush, one stalk at a time, and give the handle 
a turn sufficient to hold each new stalk firmly. Con- 
tinue putting on and winding, until three layers have 
been secured, pulling upward as the handle is turned 
to tighten the string. Now commence another row 
nearer the lower end of the handle, and proceed as 
before, finishing the third course or tier with the 
longest and finest brush. Wind the cord around 
snugly a few times after the brush is all on, and 
fasten the end with a carpet tack. To make a broad 
or flat broom, more of the brush may be put upon 
two opposite sides than upon the other portions. 
Then tie the two ends of a string the right length, 
slip it over the handle, and to a suitable place upon 
the broom, and sew. You now have as neat a broom 
as you can buy, and stronger than most of those in the 
market. With a little practice they can be made 
very quickly. Wire can be used instead of twine.” 
