5. It should be remembered that tin, zinc or sheet-iron used to protect woodwork from the heat should be so placed that there will be an air space between it and the wall. 6. If a metal is against the wood, it only serves to conceal charring without preventing it. Bear in mind that bright tin reflects more heat than sheet iron. 7. Watch stovepipes for parted joints and rust holes; clean soot from chimneys and stovepipes at stated intervals; do not allow plaster back of stoves to remain broken. 8. There is now a fine asbestos product made which is a mixture of cement and wood and asbestos which if placed under the stove or even back of it will prevent fire. This material is not cold to the foot, can be highly polished and is most delightful in a well groomed kitchen. This too can be used for table tops and is polished by a mixture made for its express demands. This asbestos wood is invaluable for partitions, obviating very thick and expensive walls; and due to its lightness it can be used for light frame houses and insure fire protection. It is used for switch-board and other insulations by electricians, etc. It takes various stains and finishes in imitation of wood or marble, is rigid, light and fireproof. It is the same physically as wood except that it is fireproof, takes a higher polish and is harder. It can be used not only for making walls, floors and ceilings fireproof, but window casing, partitions, base-boards, cabinets, and all trim. It is moisture-resisting and impervious to weather conditions. The people that are the most careful of the pocketbook seem to forget the ordinary fire peril and don’t seem to realize the necessity for concentration on the cures, probably because they are optimists and do not think of any trouble--yet why pay so dearly for optimism? For example, most stoves should be at least 24″ to 30″ from these things that combine so affectionately with them and should be at least 6″ off the floor if not standing on metal or asbestos wood. If lath and plaster are protected by a metal shield, then the stoves can be within 18″ with safety. A fire proof material should be at least 36″ square on the floor to catch flying embers from stove or fire. The fire clay linings in the stove should be watched and seen to be sound, and the fire in any stove should never be made above the fire clay linings. Possibly you have not heard of these things before and they sound like the cry of the alarmist. Never fear. It is better to cry before you’re hurt, sometimes, than afterwards! Never put kindling wood in the oven. Deposit all ashes in metal receptacles or upon non-combustible floors, removing same from building at least once a week. Barrels or boxes should not be used for storing or carrying ashes unless they are constructed entirely of metal. Before starting fires in the autumn, thoroughly clean out the furnace and flues thereto, also the fireplaces.