GLASS BOTTLES AND HEATH FIRES.
[TO TUN En lT011 Of TUN " SPECTATOR:1 SIR,—In reference to the theory advanced in your last issue that heath fires may occasionally be started by the focussing of the sun's rays by means of glass bottles, the following experience may be of interest. Some fifteen years ago, when I was living at Friniley, Surrey, my wife and I one hot after- noon took a walk along the east bank of the Basingstoke Canal, on the side opposite to the towing-path from Frimley Bridge towards North Camp, through the heather. Having walked some distance, we returned the same way, and not fat- from the bridge found a fire had started. It had only just begun, and we were able to stamp it out. It can only have been burning for a minute or two, and if any human being had caused it we must have seen him. But on the burnt patch lay a glass beer-bottle, and I have always attributed the starting of that fire to this cause, and often related the story when heath fives have come under discussion.—I am, Sir, Ste.,
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