The Copper Country Evening News

Domestic Arrangements in the Fourteenth Century.

Carpets were unknown luxuries, but the fashion of strewing the apartments with rushes was being gradually abandoned. Rushes were still used in the retainers' hall, but for the better rooms sweet scented herbs and fragrant twigs were usually employed.

In the fourteenth century windows were apertures filled with glass so as to admit light, but to exclude wind. The walls also were frequently hung with cloth or tapestry to protect the inmates of the room from the many currents of air that penetrated the strong but badly built walls. We learn from various ancient documents that it was the duty of the serving men and pages to sweep out the principal apartments, but as the use of water is rarely mentioned damp and fragrant leaves and twigs must have aided not only in collecting the dust, but also toward refreshing the atmosphere in such constantly closed rooms, fresh air being only admitted through the doors opening on to the battlements or balconies.

From old inventories at Thurleigh and elsewhere we ascertain how scantily furnished were these ancient mansions, although they seem to have been abundantly supplied with flagons and drinking cups in gold, silver and finely engraved pewter, besides an infinite number of black jacks or cups made of leather.—Good Words.