We have an 1850's house that had apparently been remodeled at the turn of the centry. The 8" wide T&G florring found under the carpet has separations of between 1/8 to 1/4 inch. It would seem that the wood wasn't cured when put down originally. The spacing doesn't appear to change with seasons/humidity. I have seen a "fill" on boats/old houses in past to correct this issue. Anyone know what it is? Searched online have yet to turn up anything. An older guy told me he thought it was made from the vegetable, Okra?!?!? When I have seen it in past, it looked almost like a small rope.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!