Those who object to a stove of this character, preferring a range, even at a greater sacrifice of economy, should still be somewhat guided by correct principles in their selection; a range surrounded by iron is an absurdity, as the metal conducts away the heat rapidly; it should be backed and lined with fire-brick or Welsh lumps, which throw out the heat with great power. In an open fire-place, the active combustion is wanted in front for roasting, and there only should air enter the fire; in most ranges the air enters below, causing the greatest heat to be thrown upon the ashes. It may be thought that closing up the bottom would produce the same effect as allowing it to be choked up with ashes in a common grate, deadening the fire; this is not the case with a properly constructed range, backed with a slanting back of fire-clay; the ashes can be readily removed at the bottom, and from all the draught being in front, there is a bright fire at the place where it is required. The range in the Reform Club, which was erected by Messrs. Benham, under the direction of the late Sir Charles Barry, the architect of the new Houses of Parliament, is of this kind, and it is, perhaps, the finest in the world. Our common ranges are far too deep—the burning of such a mass of coal being useless. One of the best constructed ranges, of a small size, is Nicholson’s Cottage Range, that obtained the prize given by the Royal Agricultural Society; it is free from the objections raised above, and comprises an oven and boiler; is economical in price and efficient in use. Unlike the Cottager’s Stove, it is a fixture, requiring setting, and, therefore, is more a subject for the landlord’s than the tenant’s consideration. It may be seen in London at Pierce’s, in Jermyn Street. The improvements in the use of fuel have mainly arisen from philanthropic individuals directing their attention to improving the comfort of the working classes, and the improvements here made have been copied for the use of the wealthier class, by both the makers above named, as well as by others. [Illustration: _Fig. 2._]