Morning journal and courier., 1882-11-21
gournaI auD Courier.
Tuesday, Nov. 21, 18S2.

PENNsYLVANIA GAS WELLS.
 Now that the flow of petroleum in Penn sylvania is decreasing capitalists turning their attention to the more complete utiiza- tion of the natural gas which is 8 peculiar feature of the oil region. This gas has al- ready been much used for fuel and light in Bradford and other towns in the oil region.
 A correspondent of the New York zInaes gives some interesting facts concerning this natural gas and it's use. It is found in the largest quantity and greatest force in the third" oil sand. It is present, however, in all three of the sands in some wells. The wells are drilled just oil wells are, and gas territory ranges from $15O to $500 an acre. It seems destined to be worth much more when the finding of gas may be calculated on with certainty. In the Bradford field gas has been found at no greater depth than 9 200 feet. It is used just as it issues from the depths of the wells, no refining being neces sary. Ike gas of some districts is better and cleaner than that of others, the Bradford ar- ticle being especially excellent in quality. There is no odor from 1t in burning, but be- fore it is consumed it has the ssme as petro- leum. In carrying it through the towns and into buildings the same system is employed as in conducting artificial gas, and for illu- minating purposes it is burned in the ordinary zion the pipes are laid on the surface of tho ground, but in the larger towns and cities they are buried. For heating purposes a pipe Is conducted from the main into the stove or range. The end of the pipe in tho stove is perforated to give & spreading flame. A stop-cook on the outside of the stove regulates the supply. The fire is kindled simply by turning on the gas and throwing lighted match in tho stove. In grates the effect of coal fire is obtain ed by the placing of pieces of earthen ware inside These become red-hot and glow with the true anthracite oheerfulness.
 For Illuminating purposes uniform charge of fifty cents a month is made to the con- sumer. Where twelve burners are in use a discount of twenty per cent. is made. An ordinary family psrlor or cook stove pays $4 month for fuel, while range and large heater cost $6 month In the early days of gas burning in the region an ordinary stove consumed about 300 cubic feet an hour. The subject has been given much scientific study. however, and a regulator devised by which the amount consumed is much re- duced without affecting the heating power of the fuel. The gas is not measured. It is matter of much surprise to the stranger vis- iting Bradford to see the gas in buildings and
 on the streets burning all day as we'll as dur ing the night. No one takes the trouble to turn off his gas. It is believed that the gas would be consumed and wasted in other ways even if it was turned of, and so 1t burns from one years end to the other.
 One of the most notable gas wells ever struck is at Sheffield. It has been burning l with flame fifty feet high for years and it's roar may be heard for miles. There is a great ''gas streak" in Washington county
 and company has been formed and char tered to supply Pittsburg and other places with light and fuel for it. How long the gas will last remains to be seen, but there has al- reedy been vast quantity used and wasted.