[Figs. 871.] and [872.] represent such a kiln as is mounted at Zabrze, in Upper Silesia, for coking small coal. [Fig. 871.] is the ground plan; [fig. 872.] the vertical section in the line of the long axis of [fig. 871.] a, is the sand-bed of the hearth, under the brick sole; b, is the roof of large fire-bricks; c, the covering of loam; d, the top surface of sand; e, the orifice in the front wall, for admission of the culm, and removal of the coke, over the sloping stone f. The flame and vapours pass off above this orifice, through the chimney marked g, or through the aperture h, into a lateral chimney. i, is a bar of iron laid across the front of the door as a fulcrum to work the iron rake upon. A layer of coals is first kindled upon the hearth, and when this is in brisk ignition, it is covered with the culm in successive sprinklings. When the coal is sufficiently coked, it is raked out, and quenched with water.
[Fig. 873.] represents a simple coking meiler or mound, constructed in a circular form round a central chimney of loose bricks, towards which small horizontal flues are laid among the lumps of coals. The sides and top are covered with culm or slack, and the heap is kindled from certain openings towards the circumference. [Fig. 874.] represents an oblong meiler, sometimes made 100 or 150 feet in length, and from 10 to 12 in breadth. The section in the middle of the figure shows how the lumps are piled up; the wooden stakes are lifted out when the heap is finished, in order to introduce kindlings at various points; and the rest of the meiler is then covered with slack and clay, to protect it from the rains. A jet of smoke and flame is seen issuing from its left end.
