Any explanation or definition covering the subject of fire insurance is unnecessary here, but a few suggestions to those taking out insurance of this class may be pertinent.

Familiarize yourself with the laws of the State under which you are insuring, so that you may have some reasonable idea as to your rights. In New Hampshire and a few other States, for instance, the " valued policy," so called, is in effect, which amounts to this: that you are entitled to collect the amount of the loss on buildings in event of total destruction by fire, no matter what amount of insurance is placed thereon; that is, it is incumbent upon the company not to insure buildings for more than they are worth. In most States the insured cannot collect, in case of loss, greater than the actual damage, no matter how much in excess of the value of the property the insurance had been placed.

Do not keep your insurance policy in the same building that is covered by such a policy.

In insuring furniture or personal property in general, take an accurate list of the same with the probable value of each article, and keep this list in some place safe from fire. Some persons are so particular that all articles of furniture or property which would be covered by a policy of this kind, are invariably purchased accompanied by bills showing their cost, such bills being properly filed away to be produced in case of any dispute arising over the adjustment of a claim.

There are cases of insurance upon buildings where the insured would not care to include insurance upon the foundation; that is, in case of destruction of the building, the foundation might be left intact or slightly damaged, which would give the right to the insurance company to deduct the value of the same at the time of adjustment. The character of the foundation may be such that it would be practically impervious to fire, or the character of the building may be such that if once destroyed there would be no desire to rebuild, and, therefore, the foundation would be of no value to the insured. In such cases, the item of foundation may be specifically omitted from the policy.

Read your policy and carefully carry out the conditions enumerated therein. Note date of expiration, for it is conceivable that your agent may not advise you when the policy does expire, and, therefore, your property may be unprotected. Always pay premiums promptly. Do not try to mislead the agent by concealing information or misstating facts. Be sure that your policy contains the clause that other insurance is permitted.

In an insurance policy covering furniture or movable goods, if any change in the location of the articles insured is to be made, notification must be sent to the insurance agent.

Any premises intended for occupancy should not be allowed to remain vacant longer than provided for in the policy, without obtaining permission from the agent.

Ascertain that your policy contains a clause granting protection in case loss or damage results from lightning.

In case of loss, notify the agent at once.

In case your property is mortgaged, the policy should bear an indorsement somewhat as follows:

" Payable in case of loss to ------ mortgagee, as his interest may appear."

Insurance for a short period, such as a year, is more expensive in the long run than for some term like three years.