Bristles
the strong hairs growing on the back of the hog and wild boar, and extensively used in the manufacture of brushes, and also by shoemakers and saddlers. Russia, Germany, and in a lesser degree France, Belgium, and the Scandinavian states are large exporters of bristles. The supplies from the United States and East India have risen into importance within the last few years. The quality of bristles depends on the length, stiffness, color, and straightness-white being the most valuable. The best bristles are produced by hogs that inhabit cold countries.