20 OBSERVATIONS, ETC. 



worthy of serious consideration, and if the editors of the 

 different papers would arouse the public attention, so as to 

 direct some of our most active citizens to a consideration of 

 this subject, incalculable good would result to the commu- 

 nity at large. 



If the public authorities of our cities, and all those who 

 distribute fuel among the poor, gratis, would give them peat 

 instead of wood, it would be much cheaper, and would 

 answer every purpose to the consumers. Twelve bushels 

 might be given in the first winter month to each of the ap- 

 plicants, instead of wood, with a strict injunction to save 

 their ashes in a dry state, in order to their being taken in 

 exchange for a future supply of peat. It could be easily 

 ascertained how much ashes twelve bushels of peat would 

 make ; and if a strict attention be paid to the conditions of 

 exchange, it would soon be discovered which of the appli- 

 cants was the most entitled to the distributor's bounty. The 

 same sheds which it would be necessary to provide for hous- 

 ing the peat, could be used as a deposit for the ashes. If 

 such sheds be conveniently constructed to hold each a mode- 

 rate quantity, the first which is emptied of peat may be filled 

 with the first ashes that are returned in exchange for a future 

 supply of fuel, and they could all be used for the same pur- 

 pose as they become empty. These ashes, when fairly tested, 

 may become a merchantable article as in Europe; and it is 

 very probable that farmers may be induced to take them in 

 exchange for future supplies of peat ; they could, however, 

 be conveyed into the country at a trifling expense, and 

 would, no doubt, meet with a ready sale. 



