Page:The history of silk, cotton, linen, wool, and other fibrous substances 2.djvu/489

 consequently that the interior of the helmet was a common skull-cap.

Being generally thicker than common cloth, felt presented a more effectual obstacle to missile weapons. Hence, when the soldiers under Julius Cæsar were much annoyed by Pompey's archers, they made shirts or other coverings of felt, and put them on for their defence. Thucydides refers to the use of similar means to protect the body from arrows ; and even in besieging and defending cities felt was used, together with hides and sackcloth, to cover the wooden towers and military engines.

Felt was also sometimes used to cover the bodies of quadrupeds. According to Aristotle, the Greeks clothed their ''molles oves'' either with skins or with pieces of felt; and the wool became gray in consequence. The Persians used the same material for the trappings of their horses (Plutarch, Artax. II. p. 1858. ed. Stephani).

The loose rude coverings for the feet called Udones were sometimes made of felt, being worn within the shoes or brogues of the rustic laborers.

In concluding this investigation it may be proper to observe, that, although [Greek: pilos] originally meant felt, and more especially a skull-cap made of that manufacture, it was sometimes used, at least by the later Greek authors, by an extension of its meaning, to denote a cap of any other material. Thus Athenæus (lib. vi. p. 274. Casaub.) speaking of the Romans, says, that they wore about their heads [Greek: pilous probateiôn dermatôn daseis], i. e. "thick caps made of sheep skins."