Article April 24, 1902 Issue

Carpets

American Carpet and Upholstery Journal

A PAPER carpet, the first of its kind on record, was invented in 1806 by Francis Guy. It quickly proved a financial failure, and was intended for "summer use," to quote one of the inventor's advertisements which appeared at the time. Francis Guy was quite well known in his day as the proprietor of two large hotels, one in Philadelphia and the other in Baltimore.

The natives of Brazil long ago adorned their homes with feather mats, which they hung on the walls of their dwellings and occasionally placed before the doors of their houses, though they invariably placed a common mat by the side of the handsome one for use. These mats and hangings were made from the plumage of tropical birds, and the brilliant natural hues produced a handsome effect. The birds were caught in nets and slaughtered by the hundred, after which the feathers were dried in the sun.

A retired ship's captain is the proud possessor of a curious rug, made of seven ostrich skins, with the feathers entire, sewed together with catcut strings. The owner procured this valuable article on one of his voyages to Patagonia. The color effect is quite unique, and the ignorant native who put the skins together must have been a natural artist. It would be next to impossible to place a valuation on this rug, which is probably the only one of its kind in existence.

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