372 Report of the Horticultural Department of the 



other kinds of water, kerosene or a good boiler compound gives better 

 results. These should be fed in small quantities at a time in the 

 water supplied to the boiler. In cleaning the flues from sediment and 

 lime incrustations the hand-hole plate should be removed and the 

 settlings raked out. Then thoroughly rinse out with a stream of 

 clean water from hose. Care should be taken when putting the hand- 

 hole plate back in place to see that the gasket is properly fitted or 

 serious leakage and loss of time may ensue. It is a good plan when 

 the boiler has not been working for some time and the fire is low, as 

 after the noon hour, to blow out about a gauge of water. By so doing 

 much scale is prevented. 



Lozv zvater. — If the water in the boiler gets low the sheets and 

 flues are liable to be injured by overheating and the boiler itself may 

 explode when taking in more water. Injectors do not always work 

 at the pressure designated by the manufacturer, but may require con- 

 siderably higher pressure to start. The inexperienced operator should 

 not become frightened if the injector does not start at the pressure 

 assigned to it by the manufacturer. After starting it may run on a 

 lower pressvire. In case of low water and failure of injector to work, 

 it is better not to rake out the fire, but to smother it with earth or wet 

 ashes, since stirring bituminous coal fire gives it more draft and 

 makes the fire hotter for the time being. 



General suggestions. — Try to carry a regular steam pressure, i. e., 

 if carrying 50 lbs. keep it near 50 lbs. all of the time. Keep water 

 level as nearly even as possible. See that all of the appliances, such 

 as safety valves, blow-ofl: valves, fusible plugs, if any, are always in 

 good working order and free from leakage. Never blow a boiler ofif 

 suddenly or with a fire in it. Never allow a leak along a seam or 

 around flues. When such occurs have a competent boiler-maker re- 

 pair it immediately. Keep all valves well packed and all connections 

 tight. Keep the ash box free from ashes, or burning and warping of 

 the grate will follow. 



