CHAPTER X 

 FUELS 



Wood. Until about 125 years ago, when coal was discovered 

 in Pennsylvania, the only source of fuel was the wood gathered 

 from tree and bush. The log blazing in fireplace and brick 

 stove warmed the dwelling and cooked the food, and served 

 for fuel wherever heat was necessary. To-day wood is largely 

 replaced by coal, although about one hundred million cords of 

 wood are still annually burned in this country for fuel. The 

 discovery of coal was fortunate, since it has preserved for furni- 

 ture, houses, railroad ties, wharfs, barrels, and other articles, 

 trees which otherwise would have been cut for fuel. The pres- 

 ent lumber supply is so limited that anything which conserves 

 wood is a boon to the country. 



Wood is an economical fuel in country regions where branches, 

 twigs, and faggots are abundant and where larger logs are ob- 

 tainable without direct cost, or at the cost of labor only. But 

 in cities and towns where it is bought at high prices wood is an 

 expensive fuel. 



Wood burns away quickly, and a wood fire needs constant 

 attention. Charcoal, made by the destructive distillation of 

 wood, burns without flame and gives a good heat. It is popular 

 in hotels, where it is burned in small broilers, the food being 

 served from the broiler as it would be from a chafing dish. Char- 

 coal ignites easily, and small pieces of it are frequently used 

 for starting fires. Coal burns more slowly than wood and a 

 coal fire requires less care. A coal fire can be kept alive all night 



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