In homes where they are used, the coal range and the heating stove are very important factors. The consumer probably has more difficult experience in getting good service from a range or a heating stove than from all other of the home furnishings. Why will a certain make of range fail to bake, for instance, in one kitchen, when exactly the same model will give the very best of service in another? Why will the grates of one last for years without renewing, and in the other last hut a few weeks? Why will a base-burner, that one family will testify consumed but four tons of coal during a winter to heat a five-room house, require a neighbor, with the same model to burn twice as much and then hardly keep three rooms warm? Such experiences, and many others, are exactly what occur every day. The reason why many persons are unfortunate in obtaining good service from the cooking or heating stove is often-tims not the fault of the stove in any way, but that of the operator and sometimes that of defective flues.

A range that weighs four hundred pounds will be a better range than one which weighs but three hundred pounds. Because of its weight it will stand harder service. The ovens are built better, as is the top of the stove. For this reason, it is difficult to select a stove from pictures. Some stove foundries put out a fine looking, large stove for an attractively low price, but when used it will soon be found to be deficient in weight and quality. It is necessary to consider one's requirements thoroughly, and be sure to see the stove, or one like it, before buying.

The malleable steel range is higher priced than the all-steel and cast iron ranges, on account of the durability that is insured by the usage of malleable parts. All frames of a malleable range and all doors, tops, top plates, covers, centers, etc., are made of malleable iron, consequently will not break. This is a valuable point in their favor.

The steel and cast ranges or cook stoves are used more than the malleable, owing to the lower cost, and with the proper care should last many years.

It is well to buy a range with a loose fitting top, for in case of a piece of the top warping or burning out, it can be replaced by simply setting in a new piece. In the riveted top, it usually takes a high-priced mechanic many hours to replace the piece. A pouch feed door for the supplying of coal without removing the lids from the stove is important. Due consideration should be given the size of top desired, and whether there are four or six lids. An enameled iron reservoir seems to give longer service than a copper reservoir. Stoves with smooth finished nickeling seem to be growing in demand, and it should be remembered that the fanciest and brightest trimmed stove is not always the best.

Much care should be exercised in the Betting up of a stove or range. In ninety-nine cases out of a hundred where the stove is blamed for not baking, etc., the trouble is caused by the setting up, or by the flues of the house.