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Wood Fuel

Dry hard wood is positively necessary, where a damper is used. Dry hickory makes the best coals. Maple and birch come next, though the flame is not so hot and bright. The beech blazes well, but is too much like soft wood. When the blaze is gone there is not much left of it. With a damper you can use soft maple. It is often the case that when there is not a damper, the fire is continually "going down," the heat is unequal, and the temperature of the room is being continually rendered cool-first dry, then damp, making it disagreeable and danger- This matter is of the utmost importance to the housekeeper, and should be attended to. ous.

V. Regulating Coal Fires.

NEVER fill a stove more than half or two-thirds full of coal, even in the coldest weather. When the fire is low, never shake the grate or disturb the ashes, but add from ten to fifteen lumps of coal, and set the draft on. When these are heated through and somewhat ignited, add the amount necessary for a new fire, but do not disturb the ashes yet. Let the draft be open half an hour. Then shake out the ashes. The coal has thoroughly ignited, and will keep the stove at a high heat from six to twelve hours, according to the coldness of the weather. In very cold weather, after the fire is made, add coal every hour.