MANUFACTURES, ETC. 247 



The quantity of turf required for two pits of 

 the dimensions stated is seven loads. 



" When the pit is satisfactorily covered, it is 

 fired by dropping a couple of shovelfuls of burn- 

 ing wood and some dry pieces of Pine and Ash 

 into the opening left at the top ; the top turf 

 is then put on, which effectually shuts up the 

 chimney, and the process of charring com- 

 mences." 



Smoke issues from the whole pit. In fair, 

 calm weather little further attention is required, 

 but, in windy weather, the wind causes the wood, 

 at the side where it strikes, to burn rapidly, and 

 the side of the pit to fall in ; when this happens, 

 the cavity formed must be at once filled with 

 more wood and returfed. 



The best charcoal is made in slow-burning 

 pits ; seven days or so are required for the 

 wood to be completely charred in pits of the 

 size mentioned, smaller pits require less time. 

 " When the pits have burned out and become 

 cool, it is found that they are reduced to rather 

 less than half their original size." 



For the most part thinnings from the previous 

 season are used for making charcoal. " The pro- 

 portion of wood to charcoal varies greatly, much 

 depending on the size, quality and maturity of 

 the timber. . . . From about the twelfth century 

 onwards, Scotland, where wood was abundant, 



