VARIOUS METHODS OF HEATING DESCRIBED IN DETAIL. 199 



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the formation of the drains; and yet, 

 in all conscience, it is complex and 

 compound enough for a heating appa- 

 ratus, as any person can see by a glance 

 at the above sketches. It is difficult to 

 discover wherein lies its superiority 

 over the old smoke-flue, and it is 

 clearly evident, that it has neither 

 cheapness, simplicity, nor economy in 

 fuel, to recommend it; and, as to its 

 working, it is infinitely more precarious 

 than the common flue, and the loss of 

 heat is certainly much greater. This 

 loss has been stated, by those who have 

 tested its merits, to be at least one 

 fourth of its whole heating power. Mr. 

 Ayres, one of the most enlightened 

 gardeners in England, stated, in a paper 

 on that subject, published in the Gar- 

 dener's Journal of 1847, that Mr. Meek 

 wasted more heat from his one house, 

 than he (Mr. Ayres) did from one fire 

 that had nine different arrangements to 

 work; and in a Polmaise apparatus that 

 Mr. Ayres had erected, the waste of 

 heat was enormous ; that in ten min- 

 utes after the fire was lighted, he could 

 ignite a piece of paper at the top of the 

 chimney with the greatest ease; and 

 when the same gentleman asked one 

 of its strongest advocates the following 

 question, " If you had a range of houses 

 to heat in the best possible manner, 

 would you abandon hot water for Pol- 

 maise ? " he was answered, " No, cer- 

 tainly not." 



I have quoted the opinion of Mr. Ayres, because he is well 

 known to be one of the best authorities on matters of practical 



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