The care of a fine rug is everything. Just as thoroughbred racers have luxury and affection lavished upon them, so thoroughbred rugs should be treated gently and tenderly. The broom should be used daily on them and they should be swept with the nap. Every third day, after the sweeping, sawdust that has been slightly moistened should be sprinkled over the rug, which should then be gone over with a carpet-sweeper. Be careful to have the sweeping precede the application of sawdust, as otherwise the moisture will turn some of the dust into mud that, caking itself in the threads, will ravel the fibers. Once a week rugs should be taken out on the lawn, spread out face down and then gently tapped - gently, mind - with a flat rattan beater.

Fine rugs, like razors - and people, too - require rest. By no means leave rugs in use during the summer. When the warm weather approaches have them taken up, carefully cleaned, and sent to cold storage. The process of cleaning as practiced by experts is as follows: First of all the dust is removed by the vacuum system; then the rug is spread on its face, liquid olive oil soap is poured over the back, and it is gently rubbed with a brush until a fine lather forms. Then the same thing is done to the face of the rug. After that, warm water is played over the rug until it revives. After the hot shower, of course a cold shower follows, and for about an hour, on a concrete floor that slants slightly, cold water runs over the surface of the rug from sprinklers. Then, in order to take the water out, the rug is rolled with the nap, a light wooden roller being the tool employed. After which the rug is spread out on the roof, face up, for three clear days and nights. When the sunlight has removed the last vestige of moisture, the rug is rolled up with the nap and is ready for storage.