by Ernest Thompson Seton
There are two ways of making a camp broom. First, the twig broom. This is easily made as follows: Cut a handle an inch thick, and shape it to a shoulder, as in A B C. Lash on birch or other fine twigs, one layer at a time, until sufficiently thick, as D. L. Now at F, put a final lashing of cord. This draws the broom together, and binds it firmly to the handle. Trim the ends even with the axe, and it is ready for use.
The other style is the backwoods broom. This was usually made of blue-beech or hickory. A 4-foot piece of a 4-inch green trunk is best. After the bark is removed, shavings 18 inches long are cut and stripped down, left attached at J, and bent back over the end until there is a bunch of them thick enough; when they are bound together with a cord and ear as in K. Now thin down the rest of the handle L M, and the broom needs only a little drying out to be finished.
