* straw.
   The straw was mixed with clay, in order to make the bricks.
   This is expressly affirmed by Philo, (vit. Mos.) who was
   himself a native of Alexandria, in Egypt.  He says, describing
   the oppression of the Israelites, that some were obliged to
   work in clay, and others to gather straw for the formation of
   bricks, [plinthou gar achyra desmos,] because straw is the
   binding of the brick.  Philo's account is confirmed by Dr.
   Shaw, who says that "some of the Egyptian pyramids are made of
   brick, the composition whereof is only a mixture of clay, mud,
   and straw, slightly blended and kneaded together, and
   afterwards baked in the sun.  The straw, which keeps the
   bricks together, and still preserves its original colour,
   seems to be a proof that these bricks were never burnt or made
   in kilns."  The same materials are now used for building in
   Egypt.  Mr. Baumgarten says, "The houses are for the most part
   of bricks that are only hardened by the heat of the sun, and
   mixed with straw to make them firm."

  Ge 24:25  Jud 19:19