Whatever the kind of stove used one rule will apply to - know your stove. Understand the principle of its struction; if there are dampers, find out the use of each; dy the drafts; know the properties of the fuel used so as economize and yet secure the best results. In appearance the stove should be plain and neat. Ornaments and nickled trimmings mean loss of time and ength spent in polishing, and add to the cost of the stove without adding to its merit. al lard or anthracite coal kindles with difficulty, but when lighted, burns with intense heat and little flame. It is in to handle, contains almost no gas, and makes a steady continuous fire, requiring very little attention. While its t is high in places distant from Pennsylvania, many consider these qualities make it the best fuel for winter use. ioft or bituminous coal kindles easily, and burns with considerable flame when first lighted, giving off gas and ch soot. In a short time it is reduced to bright red Is. This stage in its combustion is best for cooking the heat is more steady. Its cost is one-half to one-d that of hard coal. It heats more quickly, but does last so long. Only the free-burning varieties of soft Is are at all suitable for cooking. The coking coals con-a very large percentage of gas, which gives much t, and in burning forms a crust over the fire which vents good combustion.

Wood

Wood is a clean fuel, lights readily and heats quickly, burns out so rapidly that it requires a good deal of ention to keep an even fire.

Hard wood like oak lasts well and makes a fairly steady Soft wood like pine is used as a fuel only in localities where it is very plentiful, because it burns out so quickly, requiring much attention. It is best for kindling fires.

Coke

Coke is superior to soft coal for cooking in that it is a much cleaner fuel and gives off no soot or gas. Coke, which is made in special coke ovens for use in blast furnaces and for domestic use, can now be obtained in all the larger cities. The coke which is obtained as a biproduct in the manufacture of illuminating gas is much softer and dirtier.

Coke is very bulky for its weight, it kindles easily, making a very intense heat but does not last nearly so long as hard coal. It is very helpful in starting the fire when hard coal is used, and for increasing the heat quickly. Its price is somewhat less than hard coal, but more than soft coal.

Gas

Gas is the quickest, cleanest and most convenient fuel to use. Its cost is sometimes greater than that of other fuels, but the fact that it can be lighted- just at the moment of use and instantly turned out when not needed, eliminates all waste, thus economizing both time and money.

The best gas stoves and ranges are now made with the broiling and baking ovens above the level of the top of the stove, doing away with the stooping and inconvenience caused by the old style.

In selecting these stoves see that the top grates are movable and that the stove can be readily cleaned. As the stoves become old the valve handles turn easily and are sometimes turned on without the knowledge of the worker, allowing the gas to escape, which may lead to an explosion. There is usually a nut for tightening the valves, which should be turned until they are no longer loose.

In lighting gas stoves let the gas flow for a second before applying the match; otherwise the gas may burn back producing a yellow flame which soils utensils, and gives off poisonous and odorous by-products. If this occurs turn out immediately and relight. Closing of the air slots of the burner from any cause will give a yellow, smoky flame.

Before lighting the oven be sure to open the oven door until the burners are well lighted. This is to guard against the explosion of gas which might have leaked into the oven.