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nothing to hinder an inside layer of cement or fire clay being 

 enforced. A most efficient plan seemingly suggests itself, and 

 that is, to form them of thin iron pipes, as these are now- 

 cheap, and readily had of any width and curvature. The 

 advantages gained would be many, as smoothness and regu- 

 larity of width, saving of space, freedom from back smoke, etc., 

 and they would readily allow of extended projection above 

 without brickwork. Any corrosion being chiefly near the top 

 could be easily remedied when necessary, and the falling of 

 soot would be no more than from tubular pots. If objection 

 is made to iron being too rapid a conductor of heat, why, 

 a certain degree is the very thing wanted for draught, and a 

 space of cement might intervene between it and the fire-grate j 

 — as for attracting lightning, no more danger would exist than 

 at present. 



The numerous plans advertised for smoke- curing is the best 

 proof of the general faulty construction of flues. Most of them 

 are top appliances, but often alterations around the grate are 

 more easily made and effective. Some show great ingenuity, but 

 are either too flimsy or costly for common use. A little thought 

 will readily devise their suitability, or suggest others — such as 

 bringing the grate more forward — making a small flue behind, 

 opening above and below the fire — laying a pipe from another 

 apartment, or outside the house, to beneath the grate — placing 

 a ventilator in the flue above the mantel-piece — various kinds 

 of wind guards, vanes, smoke propellers, chimney pots, etc. 

 Before, however, having recourse at any time to expensive al- 

 terations for the cure of smoke, which are all problematical, I 

 would recommend a careful examination of the eddies, or cur- 

 rents of the winds, especially the disturbing one, around the 

 place, and this can readily be done by throwing up into the air 

 a few feathers, pieces of paper, or other light substances at 

 various points, and observing their flight. Without such a 

 trial out of doors, or the use of a lighted candle within, it is 

 impossible to tell positively how to remedy currents of air, so 



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