HISTORY OF BROOKLYN. 229

sarily developed an aristocratic state of society previously unknown.

In the “best room” of every house, whether of the wealthy or humbler class, the bedstead was a principal object, and, with its furniture and hangings, formed the index of the social standing of its owner. Upon it, according to the old Dutch fashion, were two feather beds—one for the sleeper to lie upon, and another, of a lighter weight, to be used as a covering. The pillow-cases were generally of check patterns; and the curtains and valance were of as expensive materials as its owner could afford; while in front of the bed a rug was laid, for carpets were not then in common use. Among the Dutch, the only article of that sort, even up to the time of the Revolution, was a drugget cloth, which was spread under the table during meal-time, when, upon “extra occasions,” the table was set in the parlor. But even these were unknown among the inhabitants of Breuckelen and the neighboring towns. The uniform practice, after scrubbing the floor well on certain days, was to place upon the damp boards the fine white beach-sand (of which every family kept a supply on hand, renewing it by trips to the seashore twice a year), arranged in small heaps, which the members of the family were careful not to disturb by treading upon; and, on the following day, when it had become dry, it was swept, by the light and skilful touch of the housewife's broom, into waves or other more fanciful figures. Rag carpets did not make their appearance in Kings County until about the beginning of the present century.

Chairs, straight and high-backed, and ungainly to modern eyes, were mostly of wood, sometimes covered with leather and studded with brass nails, but more frequently seated simply with matted rushes. Tables, for other than kitchen use, were unknown to the earlier Dutch, and for many years to their successors. In the principal room, which held the fine bed, and was, also, tea and dining room on special occasions, was generally a round tea-table, with a leaf which could be turned up perpendicularly when not in use, and a large square table, with leaves, for use at tea-parties. Looking-glasses, in the early days, were generally small, with narrow black frames; and window-curtains were of the simplest and cheapest description, being no better in the best apartments than a strip