FIRE. 41 



unburntcoal), produce strange and fanciful 

 resemblances. 



Q. Why does PAPER BURN more readily than 

 wood ? 



A. Merely because it is of a more 

 fragile texture ; and, therefore, its compo- 

 nent parts are more easily heated. 



Q. Why does WOOD BURN more readily than 

 coal ? 



A. Because it is not so solid ; and, 

 therefore, its elemental parts are more 

 easily separated, and made hot. 



Q. When a FIBE is LIGHTED, why is PAPER 

 laid at the BOTTOM, against the grate ? 



A. Because paper (in consequence 

 of its fragile texture), so very readily 

 catches fire. 



Q. Why is WOOD laid on the top of the paper ? 



A. Because wood, (being more sub- 

 stantial), burns longer than paper; and, 

 therefore, affords a longer contact of 

 flame to heat the coals. 



Q. Why would not paper do without wood ? 



A. Because paper burns out so 

 rapidly, that it would not afford sufficient 

 contact of flame to heat the coals to 

 combustion. E 3 



