Since the war cut off the East Indian jute supply a paper yarn, waterproofed and strengthened by a chemical coating, has also been used in backings for pile floorcoverings. It has proved so satisfactory that its use may be continued.

Sisal
Though sisal is found in several tropical countries the best qual­ity comes from Java. It is a tough hairy vegetable fiber with an attractive sheen. Summer rugs made from sisal are manufactured in this country and also imported from Belgium and Holland.