Little farmers use rushes much in the short days, both morning and
evening in the dairy and kitchen; but the very poor, who are always
the worst economists, and therefore must continue very poor, buy
an halfpenny candle every evening, which, in their blowing open
rooms, does not burn much more than two hours. Thus have they
only two hours' light for their money instead of eleven.
While on the subject of rural oeconomy, it may not be improper to
mention a pretty implement of housewifery that we have seen no
where else; that is, little neat besoms which our foresters make
from the stalk of the polytricum commune, or great golden maiden-
hair, which they call silk-wood, and find plenty in the bogs. When
this moss is well combed and dressed, and divested of its outer
skin, it becomes of a beautiful bright chestnut colour; and, being
soft and pliant, is very proper for the dusting of beds, curtains,
carpets, hangings, etc. If these besoms were known to the
brushmakers in town, it is probable they might come much in use
for the purpose above-mentioned.
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