52 



SO that variations of weather would be evened off as far as 

 possible. Thermometers were hung in the middle of the 

 room, near the wall farthest away from the chimney, and 

 on the outside of the house. The comparison was made by 

 recording the time that the temperature at the middle of the 

 room was kept above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. These tests 

 showed that the wood burned in the stove kept the room 

 above 65 degrees a little more than 13 times as long as the 

 wood burned in the open fireplace. With the same condi- 

 tions one cord of wood burned in a stove goes as far as 13 

 cords burned in an open fire-place. On some of the coldest 

 days when the warmth was needed most, the fireplace never 

 raised the temperature to 65 degrees. 



193. The stove used was of the sheet-iron type. These 

 are easily fed and easily regulated. The large sizes cost 

 about $5.50, including pipe and floor mat. The writer has 

 some that have been in use for 6 years; and they can be 

 counted on to last for at least five years if oiled each 

 spring. Rusting during the summer months is harder on 

 them than use during the winter. If a stove is in a room 

 where a fire is kept going steadily, it soon pays for itself and 

 then effects a considerable saving. 



194. There is a belief that stoves are not as healthful as 

 fireplaces. Enquiries were made of physicians. They were 

 of the opinion that stoves are as healthful as fireplaces, pro- 

 vided ventilation is secured. In some respects they are more 

 healthful, for they consume less oxygen to produce a given 

 amount of heat and they keep the room at an evener temper- 

 ature and this is of considerable importance, especially 

 where there are small children. 



