Q. A customer of mine would like your opinion as to what covering is the best for lead water-pipes, to prevent freezing. I suggested various things now in use, but he desires me to inquire of you as an authority, knowing you generally exhaust a subject when your views are solicited.

A. In answer to this question we would say that a plumber whom we consulted says that mineral-wool was altogether the best thing he knew of. Before that came into use he used asbestos, but of late he has used mineral-wool exclusively. Another had never used mineral-wool, and could say nothing about its efficacy or comparative cost. He generally used felting (which comes in sheets), but he always turned that over to his "felter" - never did it himself. Where the pipes were to be exposed to the weather, as above roofs, he had the canvas covering painted.

He also frequently used plaster of Paris, inclosed in a wooden box surrounding the pipe. This was cheaper and quite as effective, if properly done, though not so elegant. He also has used sawdust in boxes surrounding the pipe for the cheapest work. Not knowing the particular circumstances of the case, he could not say which he should use. And a well-known sanitary engineer, to whom the matter was referred, also adds: "The above is all sensible, and covers the subject."