Constant attention is required day and night during the period of burning, especially should the weather be stormy, as the wind, by striking on a particular part of the pit, causes that side to burn more rapidly, and fall in. When this occurs the hole must at once be filled in with rough logs, which had been set aside for the purpose when splitting the wood, and re-covered with turf. When the weather is mild the pits burn uniformly, require but little attention, and produce the finest charcoal. The time required for burning will vary with the size of the pit, quality of wood, method of covering, and meteorological conditions. From six to seven days are usually required for pits of the above dimensions, but smaller kilns only covered with grass, fern and a little soil may be ready for uncovering in from two to four days. Long experience has, however, proved that by the slower process of charring the best charcoal is produced, but the cost is higher. By covering the pits with grass and fern, as is often done, a considerable saving is no doubt effected, but where turf is available there can be no question as to its value over the former, and on the boundaries of most woodlands it is readily procurable at the cost of cutting. As the charring proceeds the turf gradually disappears until only a slight covering of burnt earth remains. When the pits have burned out and become cool, it is found that they are reduced to rather less than half their original size. [Illustration: SECTION OF CHARCOAL PIT] The charcoal is extracted by means of a specially constructed rake resembling a light drag, but having much finer teeth, which, after it has become quite cold, is stored in a shed until required for use. The very finest charcoal, superior to what is generally sold, is produced by this method. The expenses connected with making it are, however, a little heavier than usual, owing to the slower system of charring, the use of larger wood, and the extra cost of covering with turf. As to the cost of producing charcoal by the above method, this will vary greatly, much depending on the distance the wood has to be carted and on the cost of labour in the particular district. The price paid to the charcoal burners is 7_d._ per bushel, or about four guineas per ton, which may seem high, but when we consider that it is specialized work that is confined to few and attended with grave risks and discomfort, the amount earned is not excessive. It should also be remembered that, previous to lighting the kilns, sufficient rough, not corded, wood has to be sawn and split and the pits carefully built and covered, not to speak of the constant attention required, both day and night, wet or dry, for from three to seven days, during charring process. The usual price for burning charcoal when the wood is corded is 35_s._ per ton.