THE RECLAMATION OF BOGS AND SWAMPS, 71 
ordinary flowering ‘plants by having their stems and _pistils 
inclosed in husks; they exist in hundreds of varieties. 
Next in prominence to the tussock grass we consider the 
black bog rush (Schenus nigricans), to which we have already 
alluded. ‘This rush only attains a height of one or two feet, 
and it can easily be distinguished by its short heads of black 
glumes, its tough and fibrous roots, which consolidate the 
surface of the swamp, upon which they grow to the exclusion 
of almost all other plants. 
Those who are inexperienced think sedges, rushes, and 
water grasses useless, except for litter, but such is far from the 
fact. 
The giant bulrush (Scirpus Jacustris) is largely used in the 
manufacture of horse collars, especially those employed for 
breaking colts and horses with tender shoulders. Coopers use 
them for barrel making, and of late years they have been in 
great demand by furniture manufacturers; but in this latter 
industry French competition is making sad havoc. At Norwich, 
the centre of Broadland, ornamental rush work of a light 
description finds a ready sale, and many a poor marshman is 
able to add to his earnings by supplying the rushes which are 
used ; but here even the influence of foreign competition is 
felt. 
The harvesting of bulrushes might at first sight seem simple 
and easy; it is not so. To obtain a good article which will 
find a ready market they must be most skilfully and deftly 
manipulated when first cut in June, otherwise they lose their 
beautiful glaucous colour, which is their most necessary 
essential. 
Certain reeds, sedges, and grasses are extensively used for 
thatching houses, cottages, and barns, making sheds and 
for bedding for cattle. The reed (Phragmites communis), 
which is common with us, is used more for thatching than 
for anything else. It is cut in November before it has lost the 
