Place before a brisk fire a set of polished fire-irons, and besides
them a rough unpolished poker, such as is used in a kitchen, or instead
of a bright poker. The polished irons will remain for a long time
without becoming warmer than the temperature of the room, because the
heat radiated from the fire is all reflected, or thrown off, by the
polished surface of the irons, and none of it is absorbed. The rough
poker will, however, become speedily hot, so as not to be used without
inconvenience. Hence, the polish of fire-irons is not merely ornamental
but useful.