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From Practical
Housekeeping, 1883
To Start a Fire in Damp, Still Weather - Light a few bits of
shavings or paper placed upon the top of grate; thus by the heated
air's forcing itself into the chimney and establishing there an
upward current, the room is kept free from the gas and smoke which
is so apt to fill it, and the fire can then be lighted from below
with good success.
To Remove Rust from a Stovepipe - Rub with linseed oil (a little
goes a great way); build a slow fire till it is dry, Oil in the
Spring to prevent it from rusting.
When a Chimney Takes Fire - Throw salt on the fire, and shut off
the draught as much as possible, and it will bum out slowly.
From the book
The American Woman's Home, 1869
A shallow fireplace saves wood and gives out more heat than a
deeper one. A false back of brick may be put up in a deep
fireplace. Hooks for holding up the shovel and tongs, a
hearth-brush and bellows, and brass knobs to hang them on, should
be furnished to every fireplace. An iron bar across the andirons
aids in keeping the fire safe and in good order.
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From The
Register of Rural Affairs, 1857
Cracks in stoves may
be effectually stopped by a paste made of ashes and salt, with
water.
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