24 AUGUST 1872, Page 3

The most practical suggestion yet made towards economy of -coal

seems to be the use of solid bottoms in ordinary fire-grates. It is asserted, and indeed proved, that in any fire-place not ex- oessively small a plate of iron placed upon the grate will halve the consumption of coal, reduce the smoke, and leave a cheerful, free-burning fire. Quite sufficient air enters through the bars, no poking is necessary, and the fire never goes out till the coals are consumed. There is no ash and no dust, every particle of fuel being consumed. Any householder can try this experiment, and seduce his coal bills say 30 per cent., at the cost of a shilling.