- SMOKELESS FUEL [To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—The thick
fog which recently visited London should arouse. the attention of the inhabitants of this and other *Tic cities to the immense briportance of the attempts being made, and to be made, to provide smokeless fuel for open grates—for these fogs, which are so injurious to health, and also cause great financial losses, are chiefly the result of the burning of raw coal in open and other fires. Whether smoke- less fuel can be produced on an economic basis may still be an open question ; but there can be no doubt whatever that smokeless fuel can be Produced which from every point of view is superior to ordinary coal.
For over a year I have used nothing but smokeless fuel, which can be obtained through most large dealers in London. It is the product of one of the low temperature carbonization processes. This smokeless fuel is much more economical than coal ; it gives more heat ; there is more perfect combus- tion, and therefore much less ash and dust : it is easy to light, and a fire that is almost out is quickly revived. For my own use I shall never buy a shovelful of coal again, and, I know of many residents in London who are equally, convinced of the superiority of smokeless fuel - over ordinary coal. But the prejudice against the new fuel is enormous ; partly due to ignorance, partly to the habit of poking open fires to increase the blaze ; and partly to the innate conservativeness of human nature.
But I am convinced that the burning of raw coal in open grates will in time to come be-considered as injurious to the welfare of the community; and will be restricted, or prohibited by law. In the meantime, I appeal to those who have suffi- ciently open minds to like to experimentalize to give smokeless fuel a fair trial : but first locking up all pokers (!) and, secondly, avoiding the use of " well," or sunken grates : an ordinary grate _with bars in front, is theideal grate,—I am, Sir, &c.,.
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