There is more art, perhaps, and more economy than is considered
necessary in making well, and managing a fire.
First rake out all the ashes, quite clean, leaving in the bottom of
the grate a few light cinders, through which the air, from beneath,
may pass freely; upon these lay shavings, or waste paper, and then
the wood, the smaller pieces under, of course, and the whole crossing
each other promiscuously, and in all directions; throw cinders
behind, and some at the sides, to fill out the grate, and in the
front, betwixt the bars, put small knobs of fresh coals, with some
larger knobs at top, and a little small coal behind, but not so much
at first as to prevent a draft of air through the grate at the top.
The fire, thus prepared, may be lighted with a match, and will kindle
well of itself, whilst the ashes are taken up, and the fire-place
cleaned. When it is found necessary to blow a fire, do not thrust the
nose of the bellows between the bars, but keep it at an easy distance
from the fire, and rather below the centre of the fire, that so,
the air may be dispersed around to a considerable distance in front
of the fire. When you stir a fire, always put the poker between the
second and third bars.—After you have stirred the fire, rake out the
ashes at the bottom of the grate, and sweep up the hearth.