PREFACE. 



THE following pages are dedicated to my friends who come 

 under the description of small gasworks managers as therein 

 defined. They do not represent any attempt to add to the 

 number of instruction books already available for the guid- 

 ance of students or beginners. The object in view is to 

 supply interesting matter for those actually in practice, who 

 have not only had some training, but also more or less prac- 

 tical experience. The manager of a small gasworks frequently 

 finds that he is one by himself. Even in this country there are 

 out-of-the-way places where, for all practical purposes, one is 

 as isolated as if he were out in the colonies, and men in such a 

 position are usually found to be keenly interested in questions 

 relating to the progress and advancement of the industry, and 

 glad of an opportunity of discussing matters such as those to 

 which attention is directed. They not only follow up modern 

 advancements, but are quick to apply such as are suited to 

 their limited circumstances ; and it would be easy to name 

 small gasworks that are in no way behind larger ones, so far 

 as careful and intelligent management is concerned. Having 

 these points in mind, I venture to hope that the following 

 pages will receive a kindly and not hypercritical reception, as 

 an endeavour to interest and assist the small gas manager. 



I would also express appreciation of the valuable 

 information given by Mr. J. H. Brearley, in the section on 



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