LIGHTING AND HEATING AGENTS. Sct 
sumption; and let the gas-works be devoted to the supply of 
gaseous fuel, which may be rendered, by a modification of the 
present gas-making apparatus, at less cost than for all domestic 
purposes at least equal effects can be obtained by the burning of 
coal. 
The present company, although supplying gas, through the 
admirable management of its engineer, at lower cost than any 
other gas-works in the kingdom, is so well satisfied with the 
dividends obtained that it does not offer any inducement for the 
extension of the use of gas as fuel. At the present moment a very 
large proportion of its plant is idle more than half the time. 
By the supply of gas for heating purposes at a sufficiently low 
price to supersede the use of coal for all domestic purposes of 
lighting, heating, and cooking, and for some manufacturing pur- 
poses, the demand for gas would soon increase so considerably that 
large additional capital would be required, which there would be 
no difficulty in obtaining, under the auspices of equally good 
management as the present, under the superintendence of the 
municipal authorities. 
Let us suppose a case, in order to see the bearings. Suppose the 
present gas company merged into the municipal corporation, and 
energetic efforts made to promote the use of gas by reducing the 
price, offering to rent gas furniture, as well as meters, especially 
cooking arrangements, resulting in the acceptance by the public of 
the proffered boon. Three times the consumption of gas would 
involve but a limited increase of plant, and the same distributing 
service, without increase, would be sufficient. More making plant, 
retorts, &c., would be required, and therefore more capital, which 
could readily be obtained at small interest. The company should 
work up its own residual products, and convert all its gas liquor into 
sulphate of ammonia, for which there is an unlimited demand. It 
should also convert all its residuary product in the shape of coal 
tar, into the best saleable matters, obtaining pitch, anthracene, 
napthaline, heavy oils, benzoles, and coke. By so doing it would 
prevent a glut of the outside coke market, and the reduction of 
price, by usefully consuming its own coke. Supposing eventually 
the consumption of coal in private houses entirely superseded, the 
smoky atmosphere of the town would be cleansed, and its sanitary 
condition in this respect promoted. All the ammonia of the coal 
now burnt in private houses would be utilised. 
