A SAFE BARN LANTERN.

Otago Witness, Issue 1387, 29 June 1878, Page 3

A SAFE BARN LANTERN.

Several readers, referring to our recent caution against using kerosene oil in the barns and stables, have asked for a description of a safe lantern to use in their out-buildings. An engraving is here given of the lantern we have been in the habib of using in the barn and atables, which is perfectlysafe and more convenient than an oil lantern. The frame is made of tin ; the back is wholly of tin, and the front and sides are of glass or sheets of mica, which slide in grooves in the corner posts of the frame. The bottom is pierced with

holes to admit air, and the top is covered with a cap, which prevents the wind from blowing down into the lantern, but which permits the heated air and smoke to escape. A handle in the shape of a hook is fixed to the back, by which it may be hung up in a proper place \ipou a staple or a screw-eye fastened in the wall or to apost. A common tallowcandle is perhaps the bestlight, and a dish made to go easily into the lantern, and leave a small space around each edge for the circulation of air, as shown in the illustration, will be found very convenient and cleanly in use. No spark can possibly drop from the wick and fall out of this lantern. A small oil lamp may be used in place of the candle, if found more convenient or desirable, but we have found so much difficulty in getting good burning oil that will not gum up and stop flowing, that the tallow candle made in the common mouii was adopted as the best light in evory respect. In making the candles, the wick should be divided into three equal parts, and loosely plaited into a flat soft ribbon. In burning, thia plaited wick will turn over to one side and the burned end will waste away at the side of the flame, and require no snuffing, while the common form of wick must be frequently trimmed, or it will burn very dimly. The glass or mica slides can be slipped out of the frame in an instant when necessary, either to clean the lantern or to trim it, and the tin back should be kept clean and bright, to act as a reflector. — American Agriculturist.