The numberless designs and coloring to be had in this fabric add to its value and pleasure, and the kitchen can be in lovely accord with the decorations of the house. The ordinary dripping will not effect linoleum, nor the ordinary moisture. It requires no extra mats as foot resters, is not a substitute but a flooring, and in every way deserves its great popularity. THE CORK FAMILY Another attractive, useful and popular flooring is what is called the corks. It is made of clean cork shavings compressed in closed steel molds about an inch thick for five hours under high pressure and high temperature. All the moisture is thus driven out and it is pressed together into a waterproof mass. No foreign substance is introduced to bind it together as this is done by its own gums. Inferior cork tile is mixed with foreign substances and this often makes it break down and detracts from the resiliency and wearing power. After this process is completed it is cut into the desired sizes. Cork tile comes in shades of brown and there is an excellent cork compound tile that comes in many designs and colors. It is not absolutely fireproof but is what is called a fire retardent in that it takes a flame of 1500 degrees F. one hour to burn a hole in a tile 6″ × 6″ × ¹⁄₂″. The cork tile floor of the best make will last as long as the building. It is of the loveliest coloring, delightful in tone, noiseless and soothing to the feet and back, warm to the touch and altogether psychologically comforting to the nerves. It requires but soap and water and elbow grease to keep it in condition forever. It is never slippery, is non-absorbent of dust and moisture and when laid correctly needs no effort nor money for its upkeep. This is why the initial investment though larger than for some other flooring is a wise one, as it is positively the ultimate expenditure. There is much inferior cork tile on the market and it is very hard to tell it from the best quality. It looks attractive until it has been used a little while, then it will begin to “pit” and “sap” (become dark, and emit a pungent odor), due to inferior manufacture. Heavy tracking does not effect cork tile as it is so elastic that is springs back into place. This is proven by the restaurants, banks, libraries and hospitals that use it so generously. In laying this, the same general things should be observed as in the case of linoleum. It is laid over felt, the base must be free from moisture, cracks and nails. If the cork is put over nailable material, small headless sunken brads are used. If not, it is pasted on the base. All joints are pressed together by a special compressing machine, and are sealed with a preparation virtually making the cork tile into one large seamless covering under which no dust, moisture, germs or vermin can collect. The velvety quiet of these floors imparts a tranquillity to the kitchen, contagious to mistress and to maid.