IO SCIENCE OF SUCCESSFUL THRESHING 



and other valves about the engine should be so attached 

 that the pressure will be on the under side of the valve 

 seat. Then the packing around the valve stem can leak 

 only when the valve is open, and may be renewed under 

 pressure at any time the valve is shut. A valve when cold 

 should not be too tightly closed, as expansion due to heat- 

 ing will force the valve so hard against its seat as to 

 injure it. 



Starting the Fire. When the fittings are all in place, 

 fill the boiler with water, by means of the funnel, until 

 the glass gage shows about an inch and one-half of water. 

 This is on the assumption that the boiler is level, and if 

 not, allowance should be made accordingly. The water 

 will run in faster if one of the gage-cocks, the blower or 

 the whistle be opened to allow the air to escape. When 

 coal is to be used as fuel, wood (if available) should be 

 used to start the fire, the grates being kept well covered 

 until steam begins to show on the gage. If wood cannot 

 be obtained for starting the fire, straw may be substituted. 

 Then, if it be desired to hasten the rise of steam, the blower 

 may be started and coal thrown onto the -fire. 



Oiling the Engine. While waiting for steam, the 

 grease may be removed from the bright work with rags or 

 cotton waste, saturated with benzine or kerosene. The oil 

 holes and cups are usually filled with grease at the factory 

 to keep out cinders and dirt during shipment of the engine. 

 This grease should be removed and the oil holes care- 



