212 THE WONDERFUL HOUSE THAT JACK HAS 



less porous, till it becomes a sort of felt, and is conse- 

 quently less desirable for underwear. 



Many persons do not like woolen underwear, because 

 its fiber irritates their skin or because it keeps them 

 uncomfortably warm. Cotton is a fabric often sub- 

 stituted. Unlike woolen, it can be thoroughly cleansed 

 in boiling water without shrinking. Being of closer 

 weave than wool, it is a better conductor of heat, 

 and hence makes cooler clothing. It also has the ad- 

 vantage of being cheaper. Cotton mesh underwear is 

 warmer than the ordinary close weave on account 

 of the many spaces it affords for dry air. 



The so-called Linen Mesh underwear is very popu- 

 lar with many who have worn it. Numerous air 

 spaces make this cloth an excellent regulator of bodily 

 heat. The claim is made that it absorbs and evapo- 

 rates perspiration much more readily than either 

 woolen or cotton, and for this reason interferes less 

 with the natural functions of the skin. People who 

 have changed from thick woolen to linen mesh, even in 

 the coldest months of the year, testify that it is entirely 

 satisfactory as regards warmth, and that they have 

 been much less subject to colds than they were when 

 wearing woolen. It can be cleansed in boiling water 

 without shrinking, but is not as durable as either 

 cotton or flannel of the ordinary weave. It is also 

 more expensive than either. Nevertheless, few who 

 have worn linen mesh underwear would change to 

 woolen or cotton, for their gain in health and 



