The Stoker's Catechism

London: E. & F. N. SPON, Limited, 57 HAYMARKET New York: SPON & CHAMBERLAIN, 123 LIBERTY STREET 1906
Transcriber's Note: Minor typographical errors have been corrected without note. Variant spellings have been retained.

There is no trade or calling that a working man is more handicapped in than that of a Steam Boiler Stoker; there are no books on stoking; the man leaving his situation is not anxious to communicate with the man who is taking his place anything that might help or instruct him; and the new man will be shy of asking for information for fear of being thought incapable for the post he is seeking; and the transfer takes place almost in silence, and the new man has to find out all the ways and means at his own risk, sometimes at his employer's expense.
My object is to instruct that man in his business without his knowing it, or hurting his very sensitive opinion on stoking and other matters; for I am well aware that it is only the least experienced who are the hardest to convince, or instruct—against their will. I have therefore ventured to devise this simple method of question and answer, which I have named The Stoker's Catechism, which I hope may instruct and interest him.
I will not encumber this preface with my personal qualifications for this little work—the answers to the questions might suffice.
W. J. C.

1. Question. — How would you proceed to get steam up in a boiler?
Answer. —Having filled the boiler with water to the usual height, that is to say, about four inches over the crown of the fire-tube, I throw in several shovelfuls of coal or coke towards the bridge, left and right, keeping the centre clear; then I place the firewood in the centre, throw some coals on it, light up, and shut the door. Then I open the side-gauge cocks to allow the heated air to escape, and keep them open till all the air has cleared out and steam taken the place of it; by this time the fire will require more fuel, and when the steam is high enough I connect her by opening the stop-valve a little at a time till it is wide open and ready for work.