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6. Dusting less.
7. Re-decoration required less frequently.
8. Gas mantles last longer.
9. Sleeves of teachers not so quickly soiled by dust.
10. Dust on stock diminished.
11. It has also been alleged that the floor lasts longer,
on account of less frequent washing.
Disadvantages.
1. The floor surface is made slippery, especially after
a fresh dressing, and this prevents the infants playing with
"abandon," and increases the liability to falls.
2. The floor surface is made dirty, and thereby
Kindergarten games are interfered with, the children being
prevented from sitting or kneeling on the floors. Similarly
articles falling on the floors, e.g., paper or needlework, and
teachers' skirts, especially when sitting, are soiled.
3. The floor is given a dark and dirty appearance, and
does not, therefore, present to the children a good object
lesson in cleanliness. At the same time, the bright and
cheerful aspect of the class-rooms, so necessary in infants'
schools particularly, is diminished.
4. Greasy dirt accumulates on floors, and is carried
by the boots of scholars and others to steps, which are
thereby rendered more slippery.
5. Increased cost of preparation.
6. Increased labour of sweeping.
7. Inflammability. From experiments conducted by
myself it has appeared that oily dust allaying preparations
increased the inflammability of the wood.