_3d. The following necessary attachments_ are all included in the price of the “National Standard Pump,” viz.:—a vacuum chamber, two pressure gauges, a relief valve, a set of brass priming pipes, 2 to 6 hose valves, a stroke gauge, a capacity plate, an oil pump, a sight feed lubricator and a cast-iron relief-valve discharge-cone. _By reason of the larger ports, passageways and pipes_, its larger number of valves, and the added attachments, and general superior construction a “National Standard” pump costs more than a common trade fire pump, but the cost per gallon which these pumps can _deliver in an emergency_ by reason of their large passageways, etc., is no greater than for the old style of fire pump and is well worth this extra cost. _Finally it should be remembered that these specifications_ cover only the outlines of the design, and that all pumps built under them are not of equal merit, for certain of the pump factories possess a broader experience and better shop facilities than others, and that the responsibility for first-class workmanship and strength of materials rests on the pump manufacturers, and not on the insurance companies. _We advise that all contracts call for strict conformity to the National Standard Steam Fire Pump specifications of the National Board of Fire Underwriters._ UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS. The following specifications for the manufacture of Steam Fire Pumps, developed from those originally drawn by Mr. John R. Freeman, are now used throughout the whole country, having been agreed upon in joint conference by representatives of the different organizations interested in this class of work. They will be known as “The National Standard,” and have been up to this time adopted by the following associations: Associated Factory Mutual Fire Insurance Companies, National Board of Fire Underwriters, National Fire Protection Association. NATIONAL STANDARD SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF STEAM FIRE PUMPS 1. WORKMANSHIP. _a._ The general character and accuracy of foundry and machine work must throughout equal that of the best steam-engine practice of the times, as illustrated in commercial engines of similar horse-power. This refers to strength of details, accuracy of foundry work, accuracy of alignment, accuracy of fits, quality of steam joints and flanges, construction of steam pistons and slide-valves, etc., and does not apply particularly to exterior finish. 2. DUPLEX ONLY. _a._ Only “Standard Duplex pumps” are acceptable. So-called “Duplex” pumps consisting of a pair of pumps with “steam-thrown valves” actuated by supplemental pistons are not acceptable. Experience shows that duplex pumps are more certain of starting after long disuse. The whole power of the main cylinder is available for moving a corroded valve or valve rod, whereas on a single pump with a “_steam-thrown_” valve no such surplus of power is available.