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CHAP. III.] carding these, they probably considered themselves sufficiently attired in a little paint and a few feathers. Later on in civilization, however, it came to be considered decorous to keep the body always covered. In cold weather this was a pleasure, and furs and woollens were worn with satisfaction; but in sultry heat these became a burden, and then it was that garments woven out of vegetable fibre were welcomed as a relief, for vegetable fibres are good conductors of heat, so that garments woven out of them feel cool to the body—at any rate, when first put on.

The savage was doubtless more comfortable in his summer undress, but the next best thing to it was a dress of linen or cotton, which only slightly hinders the loss of heat from the body that takes place when it comes in contact with air cooler than itself.

It is evident from the foregoing that animal substances, especially woollen, form the best and most natural clothing, except in hot weather, and about this subject I shall have more to say hereafter.