of 11,500 feet per mouthpiece in 24 hours. With 32
retorts I made as much gas as would have required 42 retorts to produce
on the old system. But I know that even this can be excelled; and I am
aware that there are works where, by the introduction of retorts
measuring 21 by 15 inches, instead of 18 by 13 inches--and which, I may
say, can be put quite easily into the same arch--a production of 12,000
cubic feet per mouthpiece can be obtained. This will, of course, still
further reduce the cost of production.

With such an experience, gentlemen, I think it is almost needless for me
to add that I am a strong advocate of the regenerative system. I have
often heard it asked, "But can the system be profitably adapted to small
works?" In answer to this, I will say I have proved that it can. During
last summer the manager of a small gas works in my neighborhood called
on me regarding the working of this system, and expressed a desire, if
it was at all possible to adapt it to his present settings without much
expense, to try it. I must say I admired his progressive spirit and
pluck; and, after a somewhat lengthy conversation with him, during which
I gathered the full details of his working and his requirements, I
determined to encourage him in his desire to prove if it could be
successfully applied to a works of the size mentioned. The present
setting consisted of three [semicircle] retorts in one arch; and one of
his stipulations to me was: "You must so contrive the setting that if it
should prove a failure I can reconvert it into the old system in a few
hours." I at once saw that the stipulation was reasonable, or he might
be caught in a fix in midwinter. But, with true "Scotch caution" and
forethought, he was, while anxious to experiment, determined not to be
"caught napping." After some consideration, I prepared a sketch for him
of how I thought it could be done, and at the same time comply with his
stipulation; and having received full explanations, he set about it, and
has had it working now for something like six months. His experience has
been somewhat similar to that of most of those who have gone in for the
new system. It did not answer very well at first. But after a little
manipulation and experience in the proper working and management, it is
now acting in first rate style, and is saving fuel, with better and more
regular heats; and this although it is not constructed in such a way as
to yield the best possible resul