Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-12-03
CHARCOAL BURNING.
The Industry Has Been Hurt by Use
of Coal and Coke.

of Coal and Coke.
From Pearson's Magazine
Time was when the entire annual yield of
many European forests was devoted to no
worthier purpose than the making of char
coal for fuel In iron or glass smelt-
ing works. But nowadays good forest tim
Der can generally be put to better purpose,
and, although in some places charcoal burn
ing still flourishes on a large scale, the in
dustry strangled by coal and coke has
been steadily diminishing in Importance
The best site for a kiln is one that has
been used before-the ground is thoroughly
dry and is covered with absorptiye cha
coal dust
The kiln usually consists of two tiers of
wood, one upon the other, placed as
straight up as possible. the smaller pieces
inside, the thicker pieces in the center and
the smaller pieces again toward the out
side. When two stories have been piled I'D
in this way more wood is laid horizon tally
across the narrow top. This kiln is grad
ually shaped like dome All openines
are then carefully filled in, in order to pre-
vent unnecessary drafts, and the whole ia
made as firm as possible
a passage Is now constructed from the
outside of the kiln to the fiue in the center
or log OF wood which has been placed
previously in position Is drawn from under
the bottom tier. leaving a hollow kindling
passage. in which, when the kiln is COM
pleted, torch may be inserted to set fire
to the Shayngs
Now the important work of covering the
kiln is commenced. Supports of various
kinds are placed in position to save a col
lapse under the weight of the coverings of
which there is both an inner and an outer
The kiln Is first tiled as it were with thin
sods, overlapping each other. Then the
outer covering is applied consisting of
loamy forest soil and charcoal dust. we'll
mixed, and firm enough to exclude air and
retain the neat, and at the same time soft
enough to allow steam to escape and to
yield without cracking, as the kiln gradual
~ sinks during the burning.
Nothing remains but to erect a wind
preak, II necessary, before burning the
kiln.
Early in the morning when the air is
still, torch of pine is inserted in the pas
sage before mentioned, and the flames seize
hold OF the dry twigs and shavings in the
flue
At first when the dome becomes hot
steam and thick smoke issue from the ton:
If all is well, the smoke should give way
to flame, and not unpleasant, pungent
door should be noticeable. This is a sign
that carAonization is in progress. After a.
few hours charcoal will form in the dome
which will gradually sink in.
should the sinking be irregular. IT is a
sign TO the charcoal burner that the kiln ia
burning unevenly. There is too much dra #
from one quarter, or too little in another.
or some of the wood in the kiln is burnine
quicker than other pieces. This state Of
affairs must be remedied by boring draf
holes or applying water, as the case NAV
require. "'
ON the second day after kindling the
nrst Vent-holes are made. These holes
bored through both coverings down IN the
WOOD: IN two rows to leeward. help to regu-
Iate the burning. and also give indica tion
when the carbonizing process nears comnia
.ion. AT first smoke and steam Issue
through them-and after while tbe smoLe
s Turns ,s oiue; which is sure and certain
sign thatt he charcoal is burning ana th,s
OF course, is the last thing the eharooaI,
burners desire. The holes must be closed
Immediately with soil or turf and fresh
TO" opened lower down the side.