Q. When a fire is lighted, why is paper laid at the bottom, against the grate?
A. Because paper (in consequence of its fragile texture), so very readily catches fire.
Q. Why is wood laid on the top of the paper?
A. Because wood, (being more substantial), burns longer than paper; and, therefore, affords a longer contact of flame to heat the coals.
Q. Why would not paper do without wood?
A. Because paper burns out so rapidly, that it would not afford sufficient contact of flame to heat the coals to combustion.
Q. Why would not wood do without shavings, straw, or paper?
A. Because wood is too substantial to be heated into combustion, by the flame issuing from a mere match.
Q. Why would not the paper do as well, if placed on the top of the coals?