A writer in the Northern Whig describes the experiments which
have been conducted by Mr. S. C. Davidson, the well-known inventor and manufacturer, in the use of peat as domestic fuel. Weight for weight, peat has 50 per cent. of the calorific value of coal. Mr. Davidson has been compressing the peat into blocks by hydraulic machinery, thus materially reducing what is one of the chief dis- advantages of peat—its bulk. The writer of the article says that these blocks are about one-third of the original bulk, and have about the same weight as household coal. Mr. Davidson finds that the blocks burn admirably and give good heat. He has also tried mixing other substances, such as coal dust, with the peat before compression. The blocks thus treated gave out a clear yellow flame. We agree with the writer that in view of the faulty and intermittent character of the coal seams in Ireland and of the forthcoming serious shortage of coal, it is strange that the authorities have not taken great thought about the huge peat fields of Ireland. There is plenty of labour in Ireland—unfor- tunately for the war. Perhaps it is not yet too late.
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