four years shows not only the practical
value of this cheap kiln, but Mr. Hatcher, who superintends the brick and
tile-yard at Benenden, where this kiln stands, expresses himself strongly
in favor of this kiln, as always producing better and more evenly burned
pipes than either of his larger and better built brick-kilns can do."

The floor of the kiln is first covered with bricks, placed on end, at a
little distance from each other, so as to allow the fire to pass between
them, and the tiles are placed _on end_ on these. This position will
afford the best draft for the flames. After the kiln is packed full, the
door-way is built up, and a slow fire is started,--only enough at first to
complete the drying of the tiles, and to do this so slowly as not to warp
them out of shape. They will be thoroughly dry when the smoke from the top
of the kiln loses its dark color and becomes transparent. When the fires
are well started, the mouths of the fire-holes may be built up so as to
leave only sufficient room to put in fresh fuel, and if the wind is high,
the fire-holes, on the side against which it blows, should be sheltered by
some sort of screen which will counteract its influence, and keep up an
even heat on all sides.

The time required for burning will be from two days and a night to four
days and four nights, according to the dryness of the tiles, the state of
the weather, and the character of the fuel. The fires should be drawn when
the tiles in the hottest part of the kiln are burned to a "ringing"
hardness. By leaving two or three holes in the door-way, which can be
stopped with loose brick, a rod may be run in, from time to time, to take
out specimen tiles from the hottest part of the kiln, which shall have
been so placed as to be easily removed. The best plan, however,--the only
prudent plan, in fact,--will be to employ an intelligent man who is
thoroughly experienced in the burning of brick and pottery, and whose
judgment in the management of the fires, and in the cooling off of the
kiln, will save much of the waste that would result from inexperienced
management. After the burning is completed, from 40 to 60 hours must be
allowed for the cooling of the kiln before it is opened. If the cold air
is admitted while it is still very hot, the unequal contraction of the
material will cause the tiles to crack, and a large portion of them may be
destroyed.

If any of the tiles are too much burned, they will be melted, and