the current of steam did which preceded it, while
each current of steam follows a direction opposite that of the current
of air which preceded it.

The inventor estimates that the cost of the coal necessary for his
process will not exceed a tenth of a cent per cubic foot of gas.

One important advantage of the apparatus is that it can be made of any
dimensions. Instead of giving the generator the limited size and form
shown in the engraving, with doors at the bottom for the removal of the
ashes by hand from time to time, it may be constructed after the general
model of the shaft of blast furnaces, with a hearth at the base. Upon
adding to the fuel a small quantity of flux, all the mineral parts
thereof can be melted into a liquid slag, which may be carried off just
like that of blast furnaces. There is no difficulty in constructing
regenerators of refractory bricks of sufficient capacity, however large
the generators be; and a single apparatus might, if need be, convert one
thousand tons of anthracite per day into more than five million cubic
feet of gas.

* * * * *

LIGHTING AND VENTILATING BY GAS.

[Footnote: A paper read before the Gas Institute, Manchester, June,
1885.]

By WILLIAM SUGG, of London.

Ever since the introduction of electric lighting, the public have been
assured, by those interested in the different kinds of lamps--arc, glow
or otherwise--that henceforth, by means of such lamps, rooms are to be
lighted without heat or baneful products such as they assert attend the
use of gas, lamps, or candles. But I think it must not be implied, from
what any one has said in favor of the electric light as a means of
lighting our dwellings, that gas is unsuitable for the purpose, or that
the glow lamp is a perfect substitute for gas, or that there is a very
large difference throughout the year on the points of health,
convenience, or comfort, or that the balance in favor rests with
electric light upon all or any of these points. The fact is, the glow
lamp is only one more means (not without certain disadvantages) of
producing light added to those which already exist, and of which the
public have the choice. Now, looking to best means of lighting rooms,
and particularly the principal rooms of a small dwelling-house, I beg to
say that the arguments which can be adduced in favor of gas lighting in
preference to any other means greatly preponderate, and that it can be
subs