COAL ECONOMY.
[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] Sus,—On the Western Front we have been successful in making an excellent substitute fuel for coal out of a mixture of coal-dust and clay, and I think that the method we have been employing will interest many of your readers. The coal-dust is first screened very fine, then mixed with half its weight in clay, the latter added In liquid form, having previously been dissolved in sufficient water to give it the consistency of cream. The whole mixture is then placed in shallow boxes, and the coal-cakes are then stamped or pressed out by means of a small handsmould, the invention of one of my officers, and set aside to dry. This fuel, to which the name of the "Ablain Coal-cake" was given, from the fact that it was first made in the village of Ablain-St. Nazaire, near Lens, makes an excellent substitute for coal, and has been used since last July instead of the normal coal ration to the troops of my division. It is hard, clean to handle, lights readily, and burns with intense heat for a considerable time. There seems no good reason why this method should not be adopted at home in locali- ties where clay or soluble chalk is readily available, and steps are being taken, I believe, to place the " Ablain " mould before the public. Meanwhile, I shall be very happy to answer any questions which those of your readers who are interested in the matter may care to put to me.—I am, Sir, &c., 18 Elvaston Place, S.W. Resew STANDEN, Lieut.-Colonel.
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