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 Rush
lights, are nothing more than a trimmed and dried plant which is then soaked
in tallow. These long strips are then burned in special holders designed to
simplify the frequent adjustment of the rush required as it is consumed by
the flame.
Rushes are from the Juncus plant, They seem to prefer shallow, standing
water. Rush lights were used for centuries because they were a free lighting
source. Rushes will mature in late summer and grow up to six feet tall.
Only the bottom third or so is usable, Rush cuts easily with a sharp knife.
The skin may be removed with a sharp fingernail. As the skin comes off, you
will see that only the lower portion is solid pith, and that the upper
portions contain only whispy pith. This whispy portion is useless and would
be discarded.
 The
trimmed pith was placed in a warm, dry place to cure.
As it dries it will want to curl, which could be prevented by wrapping a
bundle of pith around a dowel and tying it fast.
Melted tallow in a shallow pan is then run through it, back and forth.
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