A CRAP THE IN FIRE INSURANCE. 763 



necessary wlien mills are idle. One of the workmen must be capable 

 of starting the fire-engine and pumps instantly. Most fires occur at 

 night. At other times when work is suspended, and supervision apt 

 to be relaxed, the risk of fire increases. To meet this, comes the ob- 

 vious suggestion that on Sunday, Independence-Day, Thanksgiving, 

 and Christmas, there should be increased vigilance by superintendents 

 and watchmen. 



However wisely designed a mill may be, and however vigilant its 

 employes, it may take fire from causes practically unavoidable. 



How flame may best be quenched then becomes the next impor- 

 tant question. Apparatus for extinguishing fire, according to the 

 Mutual underwriters, should include : 



1. In all possible cases, water-pipes supplied from at least two 

 sources, with two or more fire-pumps ; or one pump and a reservoir 

 of sufficient elevation to give an ample supply of water through its 

 connecting pipes. 



2. An adequate pipe-service with hydrants in yards, porches, in 

 all rooms, and upon the roofs. When possible, the water should stand 

 in the hydrants, both in the yards and in the building, from the tank 

 or reservoir. 



3. Hose and hose-pipes should be ready for use, and should be at- 

 tached to the hydrants, with a drip-coupling to take off any water 

 that may leak by the valve. 



4. Automatic sprinklers in all parts of a building where there is 

 special liability to fire, and generally in all stories above the second, 

 however occupied, especially the uppermost. Among the appliances 

 of recent introduction for extinguishing fire, the automatic sprinkler 

 deserves special mention from its importance and success. It mainly 

 consists in a plug of fusible metal attached to a water-pipe, which 

 melts off at a moderately high temperature, say 160° Fahr., and per- 

 mits the issue of a drenching spray. Were not high cost a serious ob- 

 jection, sprinklers might be made controllable, not by fusible alloys, 

 but by electrical levers attached to sensitive thermometers. Any de- 

 vice which shortens the time during which a fire is left to itself is 

 of importance. A fire-alarm is usually applied to the existing auto- 

 matic systems. 



5. Small hose attached at numerous points to the water-pipes in 

 the rooms. 



6. A full supply of water-buckets reserved for fire purposes, and 

 always kept full. 



For the efficient use of apparatus, a well-drilled fire department is 

 required. Watchmen particularly should be thoroughly trained in 

 the use of appliances for combating flame, and should be familiar with 

 the positions of valves, hose, and buckets. Aid in their work is given 

 by an excellent electric fire-alarm, which is gradually coming into use 

 in the mills of New England. It announces instantly, in both engine 



