p. 12 | Economical Fuel by Mrs. D. A. Fitch

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 28, 1911

Economical Fuel

By Mrs. D. A. Fitch

MRS. D. A. FITCH

Of the commonly used fuels, such as wood, coal, gas, oil, and gasoline, little need be said, for they are abundant or scarce, expensive or cheap, according to locality, season of the year, etc.

Too largely the use of the cook-stove has been relegated to the past, though in some localities this seems almost a necessity, suitable fuel being exceedingly expensive. Yet many like its service much better than being confined to gas, oil, or gasoline. Time and effort, as well as money, are required to dispose of waste material accumulating about the premises, much of which might be utilized as fuel in the kitchen stove, leaving nothing but ashes as waste on the premises. Among these waste materials might be mentioned dried peelings of vegetables, pea-pods, scraps of cloth and paper, dry leaves of the eucalyptus and some other trees, berries of the ornamental pepper-trees, etc. It is entertaining to listen to the burning of these berries, for besides their giving out an intense heat, there is the sound of an abundance of corn popping.

In some localities where fuel is scarce and expensive, there may be planing-mills from which shavings may be obtained. These, if moistened with a little crude oil, make a good fire in a cook-stove or grate. They render good service without the oil. They have been my principal fuel for several years.

In Mexico, where the closest economy is practised, the fine, dusty portions of coal are well moistened with cooked starch, made from flour. Large patties are formed and dried in the sun, making a fuel nearly equal to the original coal. The same plan works well in this country, for the writer has tried it thoroughly.

Some one on the Pacific Coast was at a loss as to what fuel would be best to use. He was advised to take a daily paper. If reduced to minimum size by twisting tightly, the papers will burn well, much better than might at first be

thought. Better than this is the plan of soaking them in water, rolling tightly, and then giving a gentle twist. Thus snugly compacted, they may be piled like cord-wood to dry, and will be found to burn as well as the best soft wood, although they do not cost ten dollars a cord, as wood does in many places.

While it may not be necessary for many families to observe so close economy, yet it is interesting to know by actual trial what can be done to lessen expense, and thus retain more means for charitable or other Christian purposes.

Glendale, Cal.