678 TRANSACTIONS OF THE 



it abounds. One cord of common green pine wood will produce 

 129 cubic inches of gas light, fully equal to eight hundred and 

 five pounds of wax candles. One cord of hard green wood, such 

 as oak or hickory, nine hundred and five pounds of wax candles. 

 One cord of dry pine wood, thirteen hundred and six pounds of 

 wax candles, besides a residuum consisting of tar and charcoal, 

 pyroligneous acid and creosote. In all parts of the country where 

 coal does not abound, you cannot possibly have any cheaper light 

 than can be obtained from any kind of wood. It wood is not 

 abundant peat swamps always are, and by a double decomposi- 

 tion of its constituents, a brilliant illuminating gas, equal to coal 

 or wood, may be obtained for less than fifty cents the thousand 

 cubic feet. Two pounds of common peat will produce light for 

 two hours and ten minutes, besides one third its weight of peat 

 charcoal. It is well to recollect that the productions of combus- 

 tion are exactly the same in their chemical constitution, whether 

 the light is produced from gas, tallow, oil or wax, and at the 

 same time that a more splendid light can be obtained from a 

 flame of gas of the same dimensions than from lamps or candles, 

 because the combustion is more perfect. When we use candles, 

 or, in fact, any of the newly invented compounds for light, there 

 is necessarily a preparatory process of vaporization, sometimes 

 producing an unpleasant odor, which gas is not subject to. 



If a building is lighted with gas, it can be far better and easier 

 ventilated than one lighted with any other material, because the 

 air is prevented from resting on account of the dry walls, ceilings, 

 and furniture, and spontaneous ventilation is promoted. The 

 moment fresh atmospheric air enters, its temperature is at once 

 raised, and as it escapes, makes room for a larger supply at a 

 much lower temperature. This process should be assisted by 

 having a small opening near the ceiling of every room in the 

 house, which may be concealed behind a picture, bookcase, or 

 cornice, so that a continuous supply of pure, wholesome air may 

 be admitted at all times in such quantities as may be found 

 agreeable without creating a draft. As vitiated and pure air can- 

 not inhabit the same locality, you have only to see that the latter 

 is admitted, and the former will take care of itself. 



