PEAT FUEL [To the• Editor of the SPECTATOR.]
Sin,—It appears that very little is generally known of this product, and for the benefit of those interested I should like to give a little authentic information about this "little known national asset."
The genuine peat fuel is obtained from the lower layers of a bog, and not from or near the surface of any deposit. It burns cheerfully and completely, emitting whilst doing so a most delightful aroma ; gives out a good heat, leaving no clinker or waste, but just a small quantity of ash in the form of powder. It ignites easily, requiring no stick or lighter, simply paper rolled into balls. Such a fire when banked up with small coal will last many hours. A good peat should contain from 8-9,000 British thermal units-90 per cent. of fixed carbon and volatile matter, and ash of about 3 to 31 per cent., which compares quite favourably with many of the coals marketed and containing stone and from 8 to 10 per cent. ash. It is largely used in foreign countries in industries as well as for private use, and there is no reason Why it should not be used in the same way in our country. • It requires ' little draught, and may be used alone, or mixed with any low volatile fuel such as coke or slack. It takes from six to eight weeks to prepare the peat fuel for market, this work being done during the summer months. At present there should- be no difficulty in obtaining supplies immediately, as many of those working the bogs carry a large stock.
Some of the finest peat fuel in the world comes from Somer- set, whence in normal times large quantities are sent to many and various parts of the country, dispelling the erroneous idea that it cannot stand handling or rail transit. A compressed machine-made peat fuel is now obtainable, similar to that used on the Continent and Canada, about which the Fuel Research Board have reported favourably.—! am, Sir, &e., W. S. P.
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