With such an experience, gentlemen, I think it is almost needless for me to add that I am a strong advocate of the regenerative system.  I have often heard it asked, “But can the system be profitably adapted to small works?” In answer to this, I will say I have proved that it can.  During last summer the manager of a small gas works in my neighborhood called on me regarding the working of this system, and expressed a desire, if it was at all possible to adapt it to his present settings without much expense, to try it.  I must say I admired his progressive spirit and pluck; and, after a somewhat lengthy conversation with him, during which I gathered the full details of his working and his requirements, I determined to encourage him in his desire to prove if it could be successfully applied to a works of the size mentioned.  The present setting consisted of three [semicircle] retorts in one arch; and one of his stipulations to me was:  “You must so contrive the setting that if it should prove a failure I can reconvert it into the old system in a few hours.”  I at once saw that the stipulation was reasonable, or he might be caught in a fix in midwinter.  But, with true “Scotch caution” and forethought, he was, while anxious to experiment, determined not to be “caught napping.”  After some consideration, I prepared a sketch for him of how I thought it could be done, and at the same time comply with his stipulation; and having received full explanations, he set about it, and has had it working now for something like six months.  His experience has been somewhat similar to that of most of those who have gone in for the new system.  It did not answer very well at first.  But after a little manipulation and experience in the proper working and management, it is now acting in first rate style, and is saving fuel, with better and more regular heats; and this although it is not constructed in such a way as to yield the best possible results, owing to the before mentioned stipulation having to be considered and allowed for in construction.

In answer to an inquiry I made the other day, the gentleman referred to informed me that he has now had this setting in operation for six months.  He has three retorts, 14 by 16 inches, and 8 feet long, in an oven carbonizing 2 cwt. of coal every four hours; the heats are higher and more regular; and the retorts easier kept clear of carbon.  The coke drawn from the top retort is sufficient for fuel.  My oven would hold four retorts; and the same fuel would heat this number just as well as the three.  I used only the coke from Cowdenheath parrot coal for this setting; but had to mix it with Burghlee coke for the old system of setting.