io8 SYLVA BOOK in 



and the billets under the char-coal being undisturbed, 

 will melt as it were into char-coals of such a lasting size. 

 If small-coals be spread over the char-coal, where 

 you burn it alone, 'twill bind it to longer continu- 

 ance ; and yet more, if the small-coal be made of the 

 roots of thorns, briers, and brambles. Consult L. Bacon, 



E*j>- 775- 



25. The quercus marina^ wrack, or sea-weed which 



comes in our oyster-barrels, laid under New-Castle- 

 coal to kindle it (as the use is in some places) will 

 (as T am inform'd) make it out-last two great fires of 

 simple coals, and maintain a glowing luculent heat 

 without waste. This sort of fuel is much made use 

 of in Malta and the islands thereabout, especially to 

 burn in their ovens, and the peasant who first brought 

 it into custom, I find highly commended by an 

 author as a great benefactor to his country : The 

 manner of gathering it is to cut it in Summer time 

 from the rocks, whereon it grows abundantly, and 

 bringing it in boats or otherwise to land, spread and 

 dry it in the sun like hay, turning and cocking it 

 till it be fully cured : It makes an excellent fire alone, 

 and roasts to admiration ; and when all is burnt, the 

 ashes are one of the best manures for land in the 

 world, for the time it continues in vertue, which 

 should be frequently supplied with fresh ; and as to 

 the fire mingled with other combustibles, it is evident 

 that it adds much life, continuance and aid, to our 

 sullen sea-coal fuel ; and if the main ocean should 

 afford fuel (as the bernacles and soland-geese are said 

 to do in some parts of Scotland, with the very sticks 

 of their nests) we in these isles may thank our selves 

 if we be not warm : These few particulars I have but 

 mention'd to animate improvements, and ingenious 



