The  material  is  about  as  light  and  firm  as  good  cork  and  is  as  im-
pervious to  moisture,  as  well  as  a  good  non-conductor  of  sound,  heat,
and  vibration;  when  impregnated  with  some  mineral  substances,  it  is
jiearly  fire-proof,  all  of  which  properties  make  it  very  desirable  for
use  in  dwellings  and  buildings,  where .  protection  is  desired  against
noise  and  jar.  It  is  one  of  the  cheapest  of  all  building  materials  in
Germany  and  is  easily  nailed  or  glued,  takes  paint  well,  is  light,  clean
and  easv  to  handle,  and  hence  is  verv  desirable  as  a  structural  material.
Other  types  of  sheathing  and  builders'  paper  are  discussed  below.
Woven  Fabrics  from  Peat.
By  a  course  of  treatment  which  separates  and  cleanses  the  fibrous  parts
of  peat,  and  renders  them  ])liable,  they  have  been  made  into  fabrics  of
various  kinds,  so  that  coats,  hats,  carpets,  rugs,  mattings  and  blankets
have  been  manufactured  from  them  and  have  proven  quite  durable.
The  most  successful  use  of  these  fabrics  has  been  in  the  form  of  blankets
and  other  coverings  for  horses  and  cattle  and  for  this  use  they  are  said
to  excel  in  warmth,  durability,  absorbent  power  and  cleanliness.
