GRATE

A frame of iron bars used for burning coal as fuel. In the construction of a grate it is desirable to make the perpendicular height of the fuel as great as is consistent with safety. A stratum of burning coal will radiate considerably more heat into an apartment if placed vertically than if arranged horizontally; besides which a great saving of fuel will be effected in proportion to the heat radiated. Hence the faulty construction of the old-fashioned wide grates. The fuel should also be so divided in a fireplace as to be easy of ignition, and so placed as to give free acce of air to all its parts, as the smoke is then more likely to be burnt.