The proper fire for pipes is one in a cheerful blaze.

If your spill is carelessly constructed the flame runs up into your fingers before you know what you are doing, so that it is as well to marry and get your wife to make spills for you.

Before you begin to smoke, scatter these about the fireplace.

Then you will be able to reach them without rising.

The irritating fire is the one that has burned low--when the coals are more than half cinders, and cling to each other in fear of death.