The Manufacture of Charcoal 



229 



quality of wood, method of covering, and meteorological 

 conditions. From six to seven days are usually required 

 for pits of the above dimensions, but smaller kilns only 

 covered with grass, fern and a little soil may be ready for 

 uncovering in from two to four days. Long experience has, 

 however, proved that by the slower process of charring the 

 best charcoal is produced, but the cost is higher. By 

 covering the pits with grass and fern, as is often done, a 

 considerable saving is no doubt effected, but where turf is 

 available there can be no question as to its value over the 

 former, and on the boundaries of most woodlands it is 

 readily procurable at the cost of cutting. As the charring 

 proceeds the turf gradually disappears until only a slight 

 covering of burnt earth remains. When the pits have 

 burned out and become cool, it is found that they are 

 reduced to rather less than half their original size. 



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SECTION OF CHARCOAL PIT 



The charcoal Is extracted by means of a specially con- 

 structed rake resembling a light drag, but having much 

 finer teeth, which, after it has become quite cold, is stored 

 in a shed until required for use. 



The very finest charcoal, superior to what is generally 

 sold, is produced by this method. The expenses connected 



