A T Lucas in his extraordinary compendium on the ethnobotany of furze (Ulex
spp.) devotes a couple of pages (149-51) to the use of furze in this way -
as a layer within stone-lined drains designed to keep them free-flowing in
the early stages when clogging with silt could occur. The full reference is
Lucas A T. 1960. Furze. A survey and history of its uses in Ireland.
Dublin: National Museum of Ireland/The Stationery Office (reprinted from
Béaloideas vol. 26, Folklore Of Ireland Society)
He is writing about a practice observed in the early-middle 20th century
but it seems likely date back some considerable time.
I've come across references in the literature to the practice before, but
this is the only reference I could come up with!
Allan
On Nov 23 2004, ROBINSON, DavidEarle wrote:
> Does anyone have any information on "Brush Drains" - the practice of
> laying branches, often of thorny species, in ditches to keep out leaves
> etc. and help the flow of water? I suppose they could also have a
> defensive function. I have come across references to them in literature
> dealing with Roman agriculture, but was wondering if they also occur in
> other periods.
>
> Thanks
> David
>
> Dr David Earle Robinson
> Palaeoecologist
> Archaeological Sciences
> English Heritage
> Fort Cumberland
> Eastney
> Portsmouth
> PO4 9LD
> UK
>
> tel: +44 (0) 2392 856 776
> fax: +44 (0) 2392 856 701
>
>
-- Dr Allan Hall, Department of Archaeology, University of York, The King's
Manor, York YO1 7EP, U.K. Tel. +44 1904 434950/fax: 433902
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