KXRAMIC STUDIO 
give it the benefit of the doubt and put less in the kiln 
rather than risk an accident. 
Punch bowls should never have anything placed within 
them as they are difficult to fire, being large and heavy. 
Tilt them slightly or raise from the bottom of the kiln on 
stilts so that uneven expansion will not crack the bowl. 
Neither must articles fit too tightly a given space, 
room must be allowed for expansion, at least a quarter 
of an inch on each side. With Belleek one must exercise 
still more care. The ware is very soft and easily chipped 
or marred. Stilts or other pieces of china must on no 
account be allowed to touch it save as it rests upon them. 
Hence it is more expensive to fire than other pieces. Do 
not allow two decorated surfaces to "kiss" or the result 
will be disastrous to both. 
The only probable difficulty in lighting a gas kiln is 
that the gas may fly back in the mixer, in which case it 
becomes necessary to turn off the gas and light again. 
The gas has been known to perform this feat toward the 
end of the firing and then.be willing to light without any 
trouble and at once. Occasionally it is impossible to light 
it again until the burner has somewhat cooled, thus re- 
tarding the firing. However this seldom happens. 
If one has insured a good draught and good chimney 
connections, the only stumbling block with oil as a fuel 
is a too rapid feeding of oil ; the burner must be hot before 
it will consume much oil and the proper amount for the 
first fifteen minutes is to have only a quarter of the surface 
of the pan moist increasing the amount until at the end of 
forty five minutes the entire bottom of the pan is wet with 
oil. 
As soon as the first red glow appears in any kiln, 
the heat can be increased and after the first hour the fir- 
ing should be pushed as rapidly as possible. The length 
of time required varies with the size of the kiln and with 
gas depends on pressure and quality of gas. Usually the 
time taken is from an hour and a quarter up. A quick 
firing for rose gives the best results. There is first the dull 
red, then a faint glow throughout the kiln; gradually each 
piece becomes distinct in form, then the decoration is 
visible, soon this blurrs a little, and the color becomes 
uniform throughout the kiln. This is the proper time to 
turn off the heat for a light firing. When the shapes be- 
come less distinct, the decoration can no longer be seen 
and there is an intense glow within, the firing has reached 
white heat. The forms are much more distinct through- 
out the firing in an oil than in a gas kiln. The period 
during which the color changes from red to black is said 
to be the most critical period of cooling as large pieces if 
cooled too quickly may break or crack. Pieces under- 
fired may be fired again. Enamel underfired may chip 
when retired. Gold underfired will burnish off, hence 
should not be burnished if it shows an inclination in tnat 
direction. Roses and reds are the chief colors which are 
hard to remedy if overtired, but may be improved by re- 
touching and a light firing. 
The amateur more often underfires than overfires. 
When one begins to realize all these points, to understand 
her kiln and its pecularities then firing looses its power to 
terrorize and becomes a means of education. 
STUDIO NOTE 
The Misses Mason sailed for Europe in April for a 
trip of several months. The Studio will be kept open for 
sale of colors, etc., by the youngest Miss Mason. 
FIRING CHARCOAL KILNS 
Ella L. Adams, Yellow Springs, Ohio 
SXF course, the kiln is stacked the same as all kilns, but 
^ the test of one's patience is in filling the space between 
the iron fire pot and the outside (which is of fireclay bricks) 
with kindling wood and charcoal. The kindling must be 
fine and dry and alternate layers of kindling and charcoal 
should be placed for three or four layers to insure a good 
start. The charcoal should be well packed using pieces 
the size of walnuts for the most part. Pack the space up 
to the fire pot (I have sometimes put charcoal over the lid 
but I should not advise it.) The iron hood is then ad- 
justed, the pipes put in place, and the kiln lighted from 
the bottom. 
The time required for firing is from two and a half to 
three hours. 
When the kiln, through the funnel-shaped opening 
in hood, shows the requisite color for a good firing the grate 
is let down and the coals fall. Thus, the fire goes out. 
My kiln was set on a stone floor, so the coals fell with no 
danger of setting anything on fire. I believe some use 
zinc as a mat under the kiln, always use some substance 
that wont take fire as a ground. A cement floor is probably 
the best. 
On one eventful day no charcoal could be purchased 
in the village. In desperation I resolved to use corn cobs 
which I had used at times for kindling the fire. The corn 
cobs answered, but a replenishing was needed before the 
kiln was brought up to the proper heat. However, the 
china was fired to my satisfaction and I soon forgot my 
corn cob trials. 
In talking with a china painter who lived remote from 
charcoal she told me she always used corn cobs but em- 
ployed a boy to throw in the cobs. My sympathy has 
always gone out to that boy. 
The charcoal kiln can only heat gradually so there is 
no danger of too strong a heat at first. Another good fea- 
ture is that there are no pipes to become clogged, no plumb- 
ing to overhaul, in fact nothing to get out of order. 
Some prefer charcoal to gasoline since there is no 
danger connected with it. It is cheaper than gas which 
seems an advantage to slim purses. 
I have said nothing about the setting of the kiln, 
for full directions always come with the kiln and this surely 
seems superfluous. 
FIRING A GASOLINE KILN 
Ella L. Adams, Yellow Springs, Ohio 
V\/HAT impulse or deliberation leads one to purchase 
* * a gasoline kiln? 
First — One is often situated so that a gas kiln is an 
impossibility. 
Second- — The pressure of heat can always be regulated 
and an even heat insured. I have known china decora- 
tors who depended on gas to be compelled to fire late at 
night since the gas supply was poor at other times; there- 
fore, gasoline seems a more independent way of firing. 
Third— A gasoline kiln is cheaper in price than a ker- 
osine kiln and cost is sometimes worth considering. 
After having purchased a gasoline kiln, study the 
working parts thoroughly, which can be done through the 
instructions which are sent with the kiln. 
A gasoline kiln should be placed on a cement floor 
or one that has the protection of a sheet of zinc or sheet 
