544 
On Peat Charcoal. 
we shall have ditches on two of the sides, from which water can 
be taken to quench the fires; the ditch-sides will also be the 
driest and most convenient place for stacking or storing the 
charred peat. 
We now begin by digging a trench on one of the sides that are 
bordered by a ditch, of about 5 feet in width. Tlie peat dug IVom 
this is removed in barrows to the drying-ground, and thinly and 
evenly spread over its surface. When all the peat is dug from 
Plan of Ground for Charring Peat. 
S 10 20 -30 40 yards. 
SCALE, 
A. Pit from wliich peat has lic'en 
B. Trenches I'or raisinf; peat. 
C. Open drains or ditches. 
D. Dr\ injj-jjround. 
K. Fires. 
F. So(\s stacked for dryinfj. 
(i. Tliatched rick of cliarreil peat. 
the first trench another is begun, and the digging proceeds at that 
part of the trench which is nearest to the portion of the drying- 
ground which requires to be covered. About G inches of the 
surface of each trench is not used for burning, but is thrown into 
the pit for the purpose of affording a soil for future cultivation. 
After the peat has laid for a few days on the drying-groiuid, it 
will require to be well stirred by means of a rake with long iron 
teeth ; this brings the lower and wet pieces to the surface. Should 
it continue dry weather for three or four days after the raking, 
the peat will be sufficiently dried, and may be gathered into 
heaps; it will generally be found to have wasted to one-half its 
former bulk. It may either be harrowed directly to the fires, or 
