40. =_Don’t_= disturb the fire when it is burning good nor stir it up
too often.
41. =_Don’t_= be afraid to get instruction from books and engineering
papers.
42. =_Don’t_= fail to make an honest self-examination as to points
upon which you may be ignorant, and really need to know in order to
properly attend to your duties.
43. =_Don’t_= allow too much smoke to issue from the top of the
chimney if the cause lies within your power to prevent it.
44. =_Don’t_= think that after working at firing and its kindred
duties for a year or two that _the whole subject_ of engineering has
been learned.
45. =_Don’t_= forget that one of the best helps in getting forward
is the possession of a vigorous and well-balanced mind and body—this
covers temperance and kindred virtues and a willingness to acquire
and impart knowledge.
46. =_Don’t_= forget to have your steam-gauge tested at least once in
three months.
47. =_Don’t_= use a wire or metallic rod as a handle to a swab in
cleaning the glass tube of a water-gauge for the glass may suddenly
fly to pieces when in use within a short time afterwards.
48. =_Don’t_= forget that steam pumps require as much attention as a
steam engine.
49. =_Don’t_= run a steam pump piston, unless in an emergency, at a
speed exceeding 80 to 100 feet per minute.
50. =_Don’t_= do anything without a good reason for it about the
engine or boiler, but when you are obliged to do anything, do it
thoroughly and as quickly as possible.
51. =_Don’t_= forget to sprinkle a thin layer of coal on the grates
before lighting the shavings and wood in the morning. This practice
preserves the grate bars.
52. =_Don’t_= take the cap off a bearing and remove the upper brass
simply to see if things are working well; if there is any trouble it
will soon give you notice, and, besides, you never can replace the
brass in exactly its former position, so that you may find that the
bearing will heat soon afterwards, owing to your own uncalled-for
interference.
53. =_Don’t_= put sulphur on a hot bearing, unless you intend to ruin
the brasses.
54. =_Don’t_= use washed waste that has a harsh feel, as the
chemicals used in cleansing it have not been thoroughly removed.
55. =_Don’t_=, in case of an extensive fire, involving the whole
business, rush off without drawing the fires, and raising and
_propping open_ the safety valve of the boiler.
56. =_Don’t_= fail to preserve your health, for “a sound mind in a
sound body” is beyond a money valuation.
57. =_Don’t_= fail to remember that engineers and firemen are in
control of the great underlying force of modern civilization; hence,
to do nothing to lower the dignity of the profession.
58. =_Don’t_= forget that in the care and management of
the steam boiler the first thing required is an unceasing
watchfulness—_watch-care_.
59. =_Don’t_= forget that an intemperate, reckless or indifferent man
has no business in the place of trust of a steam boiler attendant.
60. =_Don’t_= allow even a day to pass without adding one or more
facts to your knowledge of engineering in some of its branches.