NATURAL HISTORY OP SELBORNE. 
13 
have chambers above 'stairs : mud buildings we have none. Besides 
the employment from husbandry, the men work in hop-gardens, of 
which we have many ; and fell and bark timber. In the spring and 
summer the women weed the corn ; and enjoy a second harvest in 
September by hop-picking. Formerly, in the dead months they 
availed themselves greatly by spinning wool, for making of barragons, 
a genteel corded stuflf, much in vogue at that time for summer wear ; 
and chiefly manufactured at Alton, a neighbouring town, by some of 
the people called Quakers : but from circumstances this trade is at an 
end.* The inhabitants enjoy a good share of health and longevity; 
and the parish swarms with children. 
V 
* Since the passage above was written, I am happy in being able to say that 
the spinning employment is a little revived, to the no small comfort of the 
industrious housewife. 
ROCKY HOLLOW LANE. 
