Fuel, Econom′ical

Various mixtures have been recommended under this name. The following is one of the best:— Prep. Small coal, charcoal, or sawdust, 1 part; clay, loam, or marl, 1 part; sand, or ashes, 2 parts; water, q. s.; make the ma up wet into balls. For use, these balls are piled on an ordinary fire to a little above the top bar. They are said to produce a heat considerably more intense than that of common fuel, and ensure a saving of one half the quantity of coals, whilst a fire thus made up will require no stirring, nor fresh fuel for ten hours. The quantity of the combustible ingredient in them should be doubled, when they are intended to be used with a very little foundation of coal. Obs. Of late years simple FIRE-CLAY BALLS have been much used for radiating heat from parlour-grates, and so effecting saving in the consumption of fuel. They are very useful for partially filling up those roomy, old-fashioned, badly-constructed grates, which are still to be found in many private houses. Peat and TURF , both recent and charred, are commonly used as fuel by the lower cla es, in neighbourhoods where they are plentiful. Fir cones or TOPS contain a great quantity of solid woody in addition to the resinous matter, and are well adapted for domestic fires.