thered differs from
that taken directly from the vine.'"

"Isn't this getting sort of misty, what you might call 'transcendental
like'?"

"Possibly, and this is still more so: 'Warmth is the vital atmosphere
of life, and a living flame imparts to us some of nature's own
mysterious vitality. Hence, the sun's rays and the blaze of burning
fuel give not only a material but a spiritual comfort and cheer, which
mere warm air is powerless to impart. Here is another reason why direct
radiation, even from a black iron pipe, is preferable to a current of
warm air brought from a distance: in a room warmed by such a current
nothing is ever quite so warm as the air itself unless so situated as
to obstruct its flow, but every solid substance near a hot stove or
radiator absorbs the radiated heat and is satisfied, while the air for
respiration remains at a comparatively low temperature.'"

"There may be a little sense in that," said Jack, "but the rest is
several fathoms too deep for me. Has he any practical advice to give?"

"That depends upon what you call practical. 'I have little patience,'
he says, 'with the common objection to direct radiation, that it brings
no fresh air. Fresh air can be had for the asking under a small stove
or radiator standing in a room as well as under a large stove or boiler
standing in the cellar; neither does the dampness or dryness of the
atmosphere depend primarily upon the mode of warming it, while, as for
the appearance of steam pipes, if they are not beautiful as usually
seen, it only proves that art is not wisely applied to iron work, and
that architects have not learned the essential lesson that whatever
gives added comfort to a house will, if rightly treated, enhance its
beauty. Steam-pipes or radiators may stand under windows, behind an
open screen or grill of polished brass, or they may be incorporated
with the chimney piece, and need not, in either case, be unsightly or
liable to work mischief upon the carpets or ceilings under them.
Wherever placed, a flue to bring in fresh air should be provided and
fitted with a damper to control the currents.'"

"I like the notion of putting them beside the fireplace," said Jack.
"When they are both running, it would be like hitching a pair of horses
before an ox-team or a steam engine attachment to an overshot
water-wheel. It means business. Uncle Harry improves. What next?"

"He expounds his theories of light and shade, of plumbing, sewer-gas
an