Why brooms and not carpets?

[Steve]

No: HPFGUIDX 45777

--- In HPforGrownups at y..., jodel at a... wrote:
> It occurs to me that a carpet is a LOT more likely to fall into 
> Muggle hands than a broom.
> 
> After all, when eccntric old uncle George dies mysteriously, one is 
> very likely to either install his carpet in your own study or sell 
> it to the second-hand shop. A broom will either end up in your own 
> utility closet or be thrown away. Now there aren't that many people 
> who are randomly going to go through your closet for a broom. But 
> anyone can come into the study. And if  someone who does has a 
> trace of magic...
> 
> Besides, a flying carpet, in use, is more VISIBLE than a broom.
> 
> -JOdel

bboy_mn makes general commnets:

One thought about broom vs carpet is that brooms are not sweeping
brooms. They are not mubble object enchanted to have flying
characteristics. They are magical devices made specifically for flying.

I don't have much knowledge of the history and progress of sweeping
brooms, butt flying brooms do not have sweeps made of straw, they are
made of twigs which would make them worthless for sweeping. So a
muggle who found a broom made for flying would not be likely to see
any use for it. One flaw to that believe is that while the sweep is
worthless, the handles are made of fine wood polished to a mirror
finish. So conceivabley a muggle might keep a flying broom just for
the wood in the handle. Especially if he's a pack rat like me.

But magic or muggle, a carpet is a carpet. It could look to a muggle
like a carpet that had some practical use. Then one day the kids are
sitting around playing on the unknow flying carpet accidently mutter
the magic words and the kids and carpet smash throught the living room
window and take to the air. 

As a pack rat I may keep a broom with a nice handle, but it would be
stored in the garage or cellar in hopes that someday (probably never)
I might think of something I could do with the fine woood handle. 

In summary, what I am saying is that carpets are probably muggle items
enchanted to fly. Where as brooms are magic items specifically made
for flying with little other practical application; magical items with
little or no practical muggle application. 

Although, I agree with the comments of many other people. Carpets are
imported and don't support British industry. Brooms were far easier
for a witch or wizard to hide back in the 'good old days'. And, brooms
have a strong tradition in British and European history.

Just some thoughts.

bboy_mn