Charcoal production - Revision history

Bcarter at 12:49, 20 October 2020

2020-10-20T12:49:30Z

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	*''United States Census, 1860,'' database with images, FamilySearch [https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9BSD-C5Y?cc=1473181&wc=7QL9-Y6C%3A1589434177%2C1589434982%2C1589435676] : 24 March 2017, Pennsylvania > Carbon > East Penn Township > image 2 of 22; from "1860 U.S. Federal Census - Population," database, Fold3.com (http://www.fold3.com : n.d.); citing NARA microfilm publication M653 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).		*''United States Census, 1860,'' database with images, FamilySearch [https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:33S7-9BSD-C5Y?cc=1473181&wc=7QL9-Y6C%3A1589434177%2C1589434982%2C1589435676] : 24 March 2017, Pennsylvania > Carbon > East Penn Township > image 2 of 22; from "1860 U.S. Federal Census - Population," database, Fold3.com (http://www.fold3.com : n.d.); citing NARA microfilm publication M653 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.).

	*Wagner, Van. 2008. ''Fire the Pit- Charcoal Production in Pennsylvania.'' 4 vols. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxW7g3IwD1k]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVE_7hMLMZU]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88FbebFElaY]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ghj2p9rrUmM]		* Wagner, Van. 2008. ''Fire the Pit- Charcoal Production in Pennsylvania.'' 4 vols. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxW7g3IwD1k]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVE_7hMLMZU]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88FbebFElaY]; [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ghj2p9rrUmM]

	* Walker, Joseph E. 1966. ''Hopewell Village; a Social and Economic History of an Iron-Making Community.'' Philadelphia,: Univ. of Pennsylvania Press.		* Walker, Joseph E. 1966. ''Hopewell Village; a Social and Economic History of an Iron-Making Community.'' Philadelphia,: Univ. of Pennsylvania Press.

	*Williams, Michael. 1989. ''Americans and Their Forests : A Historical Geography.'' Cambridge [Cambridgeshire] ; Cambridge University Press.		*Williams, Michael. 1989. ''Americans and Their Forests : A Historical Geography.'' Cambridge [Cambridgeshire] ; Cambridge University Press.

Sam1125: Types of Charcoal Hearths

2020-09-29T16:30:12Z

Types of Charcoal Hearths

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	When identifying the remains of charcoal hearths, the aforementioned information can be utilized. The soil at hearth site remains will typically be darker in color than surrounding soil<ref>McVarish 2008, 263</ref> and flecked with charcoal remains.		When identifying the remains of charcoal hearths, the aforementioned information can be utilized. The soil at hearth site remains will typically be darker in color than surrounding soil<ref>McVarish 2008, 263</ref> and flecked with charcoal remains.

			There were four different styles of hearths that were constructed and each design had a different capacity of wood. The first, and largest was a square or rectangular hearth which held about 60-100 cords of wood. The second was a round shape that held about 50 cords. The next, a conical hearth, held around 15-40 cords. And finally, a beehive shape held between 20-50 cords of woods<ref>Straka 2014, 107</ref>. The beehive kiln is very similar in appearance to the conical but there are still some differentiations such as the beehive not having a dome top.

	===Piling the Wood===		===Piling the Wood===

Easternhemlock73: citation fixed

2020-09-15T03:12:21Z

citation fixed

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	=Sustainability=		=Sustainability=
	The need for charcoal in the iron industry created a significant demand for wood and a great deal timber was cut for charcoal production<ref>Straka and ~~Ra er 201o~~, 58</ref>. The average output of furnaces between 1750 and 1800 was one hundred to four hundred tons of pig iron per year. To fulfill these iron production levels two hundred to four hundred bushels of charcoal were required and in order to meet these requirements about 50 acres of timber was needed per furnace<ref>Straka 2014, 105</ref>. Even though the increased efficiency of furnaces decreased the requisite amount of charcoal, increased production required one hundred fifty acres of wood by 1850 and one thousand four hundred acres by 1900<ref>Straka 2014, 106</ref>.		The need for charcoal in the iron industry created a significant demand for wood and a great deal timber was cut for charcoal production<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 58</ref>. The average output of furnaces between 1750 and 1800 was one hundred to four hundred tons of pig iron per year. To fulfill these iron production levels two hundred to four hundred bushels of charcoal were required and in order to meet these requirements about 50 acres of timber was needed per furnace<ref>Straka 2014, 105</ref>. Even though the increased efficiency of furnaces decreased the requisite amount of charcoal, increased production required one hundred fifty acres of wood by 1850 and one thousand four hundred acres by 1900<ref>Straka 2014, 106</ref>.

	Iron production left a pronounced impact on our woodlands and since forests regenerated at different rates, this raised important questions about sustainability. In the Western United States, woodlands took decades to regrow to maturity; so, forest sections usually were cut on a twenty-year cycle<ref> Walker 1966, 121</ref>. Occasionally iron furnaces became unprofitable enterprises because they		Iron production left a pronounced impact on our woodlands and since forests regenerated at different rates, this raised important questions about sustainability. In the Western United States, woodlands took decades to regrow to maturity; so, forest sections usually were cut on a twenty-year cycle<ref> Walker 1966, 121</ref>. Occasionally iron furnaces became unprofitable enterprises because they

Easternhemlock73: integrating info about fernow

2020-09-15T00:47:34Z

integrating info about fernow

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	==Transporting Charcoal==		==Transporting Charcoal==
	Initially, most charcoal was moved by cart from the hearths to local furnaces within about 2-5 miles of the charcoal production site. As furnaces became larger in the late 1800s and early 1900s, charcoal was transported increasingly greater distances. This charcoal served the larger, more efficient furnaces, many of which were in the Midwest and South. In particular, the large furnaces of Michigan were highly dependent upon the movement of charcoal by train car.<ref>Williams 1989, 341-342</ref>. Specialized charcoal cars were designed and widely used, especially in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Alabama and Tennessee.<ref>Journal of the United States Association of Charcoal Iron Workers 1885</ref>		Initially, most charcoal was moved by cart from the hearths to local furnaces within about 2-5 miles of the charcoal production site. As furnaces became larger in the late 1800s and early 1900s, charcoal was transported increasingly greater distances. This charcoal served the larger, more efficient furnaces, many of which were in the Midwest and South. In particular, the large furnaces of Michigan were highly dependent upon the movement of charcoal by train car.<ref>Williams 1989, 341-342</ref>. Specialized charcoal cars were designed and widely used, especially in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Alabama and Tennessee<ref>Journal of the United States Association of Charcoal Iron Workers 1885</ref>. Historical records are important in helping us glean new information about chracoal transportation. Records show that in 1882, Bernhard Fernow, the manager of the lands associated with the [[Lehigh Furnace]], loaded 49 box cars with the charcoal of from "860 cords of chestnut, 25 years old, ... and 600 cords of black oak, 38 years old." <ref>Fernow 1882, 21</ref> And while the intended destination of this charcoal is unclear, we can approximate each rail car held roughly 30 cords of wood.


	~~hmmmmmmm find way to integrate ..~~..In 1882, Bernhard Fernow, the manager of the lands associated with the [[Lehigh Furnace]], loaded 49 box cars with the charcoal of from "860 cords of chestnut, 25 years old, ... and 600 cords of black oak, 38 years old." <ref>Fernow 1882, 21</ref> ~~The~~ intended destination of this charcoal is unclear~~. One acre per year produces one cord~~ of wood.~~<ref>Straka and Ramer, 60 </ref>~~

	=Sustainability=		=Sustainability=

Easternhemlock73: /* Removing the Charcoal */

2020-09-15T00:37:29Z

Removing the Charcoal

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	===Removing the Charcoal===		===Removing the Charcoal===
	To remove the finished charcoal, colliers cleared the area surrounding the hearth where the charcoal would be dragged on to<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref> and used a large rake with long tines to collect the charcoal<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 24</ref>. The tines ensured that the pieces of charcoal were dragged through the dirt on their way out of the hearth and that the charcoal would not be damaged<ref>McVarish 2008, 262</ref>, as it would have been if, for example, a shovel had been used for removal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref>. The rake has long spokes that are evenly spaced out to ensure that smaller and larger pieces of charcoal get picked up. Raking out the coal can take as many as two to three days. One man explains that they are “foxing the brands” which means that any pieces of coal that are still charring need to be kept under the soil to properly char.		To remove the finished charcoal, colliers cleared the area surrounding the hearth where the charcoal would be dragged on to<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref> and used a large rake with long tines to collect the charcoal<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 24</ref>. The tines ensured that the pieces of charcoal were dragged through the dirt on their way out of the hearth and that the charcoal would not be damaged<ref>McVarish 2008, 262</ref>, as it would have been if, for example, a shovel had been used for removal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref>. The rake has long spokes that are evenly spaced out to ensure that smaller and larger pieces of charcoal get picked up. Raking out the coal can take as many as two to three days. One man explains that they are “foxing the brands”<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref> which means that any pieces of coal that are still charring need to be kept under the soil to properly char. This made sure that no fires would flare up and destroy the charcoal<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref>. It was helpful if colliers had a source of water nearby, as to extinguish any fires that threatened the consumption of the charcoal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 84</ref>, but certainly not all charcoal production locations allowed for this and dust was often used as a substitute for water<ref>Kemper 1941, 24</ref>. If the use of water became necessary and water was available, the collier needed to be careful to only use what was necessary to extinguish the fire, as to not sour the charcoal and lessen its value<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref>.It is important to note that charcoal makers did not want small pieces but rather, favored larger chunks that had to be loaded by hand.
	This made sure that no fires would flare up and destroy the charcoal<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref>. It was helpful if colliers had a source of water nearby, as to extinguish any fires that threatened the consumption of the charcoal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 84</ref>, but certainly not all charcoal production locations allowed for this and dust was often used as a substitute<ref>Kemper 1941, 24</ref>. If the use of water became necessary and water was available, the collier needed to be careful to only use what was necessary to extinguish the fire, as to not sour the charcoal and lessen its value<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref>.It is important to note that charcoal makers did not want small pieces but rather, favored larger chunks that had to be loaded by hand.

	After the charcoal was removed, it was imperative that it be stored somewhere that it would not be affected by poor weather<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref> before being carted away. In some cases it was necessary that a charcoal shed be built to store the charcoal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 87</ref>. The shed would be constructed from billets and situated on a dry area near the hearth<ref>Svedelius 1875, 87</ref>. Once the charcoal cooled down and the threat of reignition past, the charcoal was removed from the cooling shed and moved to the charcoal house<ref>Straka 2010, 61</ref>.		After the charcoal was removed, it was imperative that it be stored somewhere that it would not be affected by poor weather<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref> before being carted away. In some cases it was necessary that a charcoal shed be built to store the charcoal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 87</ref>. The shed would be constructed from billets and situated on a dry area near the hearth<ref>Svedelius 1875, 87</ref>. Once the charcoal cooled down and the threat of reignition past, the charcoal was removed from the cooling shed and moved to the charcoal house<ref>Straka 2010, 61</ref>.

Easternhemlock73: dust sub and kemper citations

2020-09-15T00:35:16Z

dust sub and kemper citations

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	===Removing the Charcoal===		===Removing the Charcoal===
	To remove the finished charcoal, colliers cleared the area surrounding the hearth where the charcoal would be dragged on to<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref> and used a large rake with long tines to collect the charcoal<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The tines ensured that the pieces of charcoal were dragged through the dirt on their way out of the hearth and that the charcoal would not be damaged<ref>McVarish 2008, 262</ref>, as it would have been if, for example, a shovel had been used for removal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref>. The rake has long spokes that are evenly spaced out to ensure that smaller and larger pieces of charcoal get picked up. Raking out the coal can take as many as two to three days. One man explains that they are “foxing the brands” which means that any pieces of coal that are still charring need to be kept under the soil to properly char.		To remove the finished charcoal, colliers cleared the area surrounding the hearth where the charcoal would be dragged on to<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref> and used a large rake with long tines to collect the charcoal<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 24</ref>. The tines ensured that the pieces of charcoal were dragged through the dirt on their way out of the hearth and that the charcoal would not be damaged<ref>McVarish 2008, 262</ref>, as it would have been if, for example, a shovel had been used for removal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref>. The rake has long spokes that are evenly spaced out to ensure that smaller and larger pieces of charcoal get picked up. Raking out the coal can take as many as two to three days. One man explains that they are “foxing the brands” which means that any pieces of coal that are still charring need to be kept under the soil to properly char.
	This made sure that no fires would flare up and destroy the charcoal<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref>. It was helpful if colliers had a source of water nearby, as to extinguish any fires that threatened the consumption of the charcoal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 84</ref>, but certainly not all charcoal production locations allowed for this. If the use of water became necessary and water was available, the collier needed to be careful to only use what was necessary to extinguish the fire, as to not sour the charcoal and lessen its value<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref>.It is important to note that charcoal makers did not want small pieces but rather, favored larger chunks that had to be loaded by hand.		This made sure that no fires would flare up and destroy the charcoal<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref>. It was helpful if colliers had a source of water nearby, as to extinguish any fires that threatened the consumption of the charcoal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 84</ref>, but certainly not all charcoal production locations allowed for this and dust was often used as a substitute<ref>Kemper 1941, 24</ref>. If the use of water became necessary and water was available, the collier needed to be careful to only use what was necessary to extinguish the fire, as to not sour the charcoal and lessen its value<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref>.It is important to note that charcoal makers did not want small pieces but rather, favored larger chunks that had to be loaded by hand.

	After the charcoal was removed, it was imperative that it be stored somewhere that it would not be affected by poor weather<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref> before being carted away. In some cases it was necessary that a charcoal shed be built to store the charcoal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 87</ref>. The shed would be constructed from billets and situated on a dry area near the hearth<ref>Svedelius 1875, 87</ref>. Once the charcoal cooled down and the threat of reignition past, the charcoal was removed from the cooling shed and moved to the charcoal house<ref>Straka 2010, 61</ref>.		After the charcoal was removed, it was imperative that it be stored somewhere that it would not be affected by poor weather<ref>Svedelius 1875, 85</ref> before being carted away. In some cases it was necessary that a charcoal shed be built to store the charcoal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 87</ref>. The shed would be constructed from billets and situated on a dry area near the hearth<ref>Svedelius 1875, 87</ref>. Once the charcoal cooled down and the threat of reignition past, the charcoal was removed from the cooling shed and moved to the charcoal house<ref>Straka 2010, 61</ref>.

Easternhemlock73: info about smoked updated

2020-09-14T21:41:26Z

info about smoked updated

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	Ignition of the charcoal pits typically occurred in the later parts of the evening, this was done so that the colliers could sleep one more time before they had to constantly watch the pit. Normally the pit would not require the attention of the collier until the following afternoon<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. However some historical records contradict the notion that charcoal pits were usually lit late in the evening, and sources such as Svedelius's 1875 ''Handbook for Charcoal Burners'' state that ignition likely occurred in the early morning, so that the colliers could attend to the hearth during the first crucial hours in daylight<ref>Svedelius 1875, 51</ref>. Charcoal hearths were lit at the top and burned downwards<ref>Straka, 2014, 107</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. To ignite the wood, kindling was placed within the the chimney and the fagan pole was removed<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. Then, hot coals were dropped into the chimney<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref><ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref> and the opening was covered with a flat wood pieces called the "bridging"<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The bridging was then covered with leaves and straw<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref> before the burning began. Small holes or smoke-vents were created at the bottom of the pile to allow airflow for the draught<ref>Svedelius 1875, 52</ref> and would be closely managed by the colliers.		Ignition of the charcoal pits typically occurred in the later parts of the evening, this was done so that the colliers could sleep one more time before they had to constantly watch the pit. Normally the pit would not require the attention of the collier until the following afternoon<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. However some historical records contradict the notion that charcoal pits were usually lit late in the evening, and sources such as Svedelius's 1875 ''Handbook for Charcoal Burners'' state that ignition likely occurred in the early morning, so that the colliers could attend to the hearth during the first crucial hours in daylight<ref>Svedelius 1875, 51</ref>. Charcoal hearths were lit at the top and burned downwards<ref>Straka, 2014, 107</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. To ignite the wood, kindling was placed within the the chimney and the fagan pole was removed<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. Then, hot coals were dropped into the chimney<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref><ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref> and the opening was covered with a flat wood pieces called the "bridging"<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The bridging was then covered with leaves and straw<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref> before the burning began. Small holes or smoke-vents were created at the bottom of the pile to allow airflow for the draught<ref>Svedelius 1875, 52</ref> and would be closely managed by the colliers.

	The process typically took between ten to fourteen days; however, if conditions were unfavorable, the burning period could take three weeks<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Walker 1966, 242</ref>. The type of wood, its quality, the way the wood was piled, and the number of cords also factored into the length of the burning process<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The greater in size and dryness a billet was, the longer the coaling process would take<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. Throughout the process, the pit was carefully observed and diligently tended to by colliers to ensure that the wood was burning evenly<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>, especially at the foot of the hearth<ref>Svedelius 1875, 58</ref>. Colliers were trained to be a master in recognizing different surfaces based on their feel of the fagan.<ref>Kemper 1941, 21-22</ref>. A master collier and one or two helpers “coaled” together, working as many as eight or nine pits at a time all of which required attentive handling as any burning flame could jeopardize the final product<ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 8</ref>. As the charring process continued, pockets developed in the pit as a result of the billets shrinking<ref>Svedelius 1875, 69</ref>; the collier walks the pile, called “jumping the pit” to locate them and any soft spots are filled in with more wood<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 60</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref>.From time to time the colliers would check the status of the charcoal by poking the fagan pole down the chimney in order to reason how far along they were in the burning process <ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref>. At five hundred degrees Fahrenheit the wood began to break down; the maximum temperature reached during the process was about seven hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>. Colliers needed to watch the color of the smoke and attend to the smoke-vents accordingly <ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>. ~~White~~ smoke was one of indicators of a proper burning<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>, ~~whereas brown tinted~~ smoke, ~~or "dangerous~~ smoke,~~" indicated~~ that the smoke-vents had been ~~created~~ too far down in the pile ~~and a fire broke out before the main burning reached the area, which resulted in a loss of charcoal~~<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. ~~Throughout~~ the burning ~~process,~~ the smoke would cycle through various colors and densities, which would indicate to the collier whether or not to adjust the smoke-vents at various times. At the beginning, the smoke would be thick and of a gray-white color and strong smell; but as the coaling process continued, the smoke would thin out and turn whiter in ~~color, until the smoke became light blue,~~ a ~~signal that it was time to close the smoke-vets and open new ones farther down~~<ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>.		The process typically took between ten to fourteen days; however, if conditions were unfavorable, the burning period could take three weeks<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Walker 1966, 242</ref>. The type of wood, its quality, the way the wood was piled, and the number of cords also factored into the length of the burning process<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The greater in size and dryness a billet was, the longer the coaling process would take<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. Throughout the process, the pit was carefully observed and diligently tended to by colliers to ensure that the wood was burning evenly<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>, especially at the foot of the hearth<ref>Svedelius 1875, 58</ref>. Colliers were trained to be a master in recognizing different surfaces based on their feel of the fagan.<ref>Kemper 1941, 21-22</ref>. A master collier and one or two helpers “coaled” together, working as many as eight or nine pits at a time all of which required attentive handling as any burning flame could jeopardize the final product<ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 8</ref>. As the charring process continued, pockets developed in the pit as a result of the billets shrinking<ref>Svedelius 1875, 69</ref>; the collier walks the pile, called “jumping the pit” to locate them and any soft spots are filled in with more wood<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 60</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref>.From time to time the colliers would check the status of the charcoal by poking the fagan pole down the chimney in order to reason how far along they were in the burning process <ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref>. At five hundred degrees Fahrenheit the wood began to break down; the maximum temperature reached during the process was about seven hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>.

			Colliers needed to watch the color of the smoke and attend to the smoke-vents accordingly <ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>. Historical documents and modern scholarship have produced contradicting information regarding what different color smoke represented in the charcoal making process. Some experts such as Thomas Straka and Wayne Ramer claim white smoke was one of indicators of a proper burning<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>. This is in direct contradiction to Jackson Kemper and his charcoal production research, Kemper contends that white smoke was an indication of a poorly charring pit as result of rapid burning<ref>Kemper 1941, 22</ref>. Kemper states that a well burning pit puffed blue smoke from its vents in lazy intervals, however others maintain that blue smoke was a signal to colliers to close up the smoke vents and open new ones further down<ref>Kemper 1941, 22</ref><ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>. Other accounts assert that brown tinted smoke was undesirable and indicative of poorly placed smoke-vents which had been constructed too far down in the pile<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. This could cause a fire to break out before the main burning reached the area resulting in a loss of charcoal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>.

	The process was ended before all the charcoal had finished burning because this helped colliers maximize production<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref>. Colliers would typically layer dust over the pile at the end of the burning process and pack it down tightly, leaving the charcoal to cool<ref>Svedelius 1875, 82</ref>. In Sweden, the cooling process may sometimes have been aided by the use of water, where colliers would begin to water the air-tight mound after allowing it to remain undisturbed for twenty-four hours<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. Colliers would use flat, wooden scoops to toss water into the air so that it would fall onto the mound like rain, until the dust is no longer able to absorb the water<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The colliers needed to remain vigilant and continue this process as the dust dried<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The first few days of this process watering was required around two or three times a day; by the seventh day, watering was only necessary if the dust continued to dry<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>.		The process was ended before all the charcoal had finished burning because this helped colliers maximize production<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref>. Colliers would typically layer dust over the pile at the end of the burning process and pack it down tightly, leaving the charcoal to cool<ref>Svedelius 1875, 82</ref>. In Sweden, the cooling process may sometimes have been aided by the use of water, where colliers would begin to water the air-tight mound after allowing it to remain undisturbed for twenty-four hours<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. Colliers would use flat, wooden scoops to toss water into the air so that it would fall onto the mound like rain, until the dust is no longer able to absorb the water<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The colliers needed to remain vigilant and continue this process as the dust dried<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The first few days of this process watering was required around two or three times a day; by the seventh day, watering was only necessary if the dust continued to dry<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>.

Easternhemlock73: restructuring

2020-09-14T21:21:23Z

restructuring

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:21, 14 September 2020
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	Ignition of the charcoal pits typically occurred in the later parts of the evening, this was done so that the colliers could sleep one more time before they had to constantly watch the pit. Normally the pit would not require the attention of the collier until the following afternoon<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. However some historical records contradict the notion that charcoal pits were usually lit late in the evening, and sources such as Svedelius's 1875 ''Handbook for Charcoal Burners'' state that ignition likely occurred in the early morning, so that the colliers could attend to the hearth during the first crucial hours in daylight<ref>Svedelius 1875, 51</ref>. Charcoal hearths were lit at the top and burned downwards<ref>Straka, 2014, 107</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. To ignite the wood, kindling was placed within the the chimney and the fagan pole was removed<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. Then, hot coals were dropped into the chimney<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref><ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref> and the opening was covered with a flat wood pieces called the "bridging"<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The bridging was then covered with leaves and straw<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref> before the burning began. Small holes or smoke-vents were created at the bottom of the pile to allow airflow for the draught<ref>Svedelius 1875, 52</ref> and would be closely managed by the colliers.		Ignition of the charcoal pits typically occurred in the later parts of the evening, this was done so that the colliers could sleep one more time before they had to constantly watch the pit. Normally the pit would not require the attention of the collier until the following afternoon<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. However some historical records contradict the notion that charcoal pits were usually lit late in the evening, and sources such as Svedelius's 1875 ''Handbook for Charcoal Burners'' state that ignition likely occurred in the early morning, so that the colliers could attend to the hearth during the first crucial hours in daylight<ref>Svedelius 1875, 51</ref>. Charcoal hearths were lit at the top and burned downwards<ref>Straka, 2014, 107</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. To ignite the wood, kindling was placed within the the chimney and the fagan pole was removed<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. Then, hot coals were dropped into the chimney<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref><ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref> and the opening was covered with a flat wood pieces called the "bridging"<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The bridging was then covered with leaves and straw<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref> before the burning began. Small holes or smoke-vents were created at the bottom of the pile to allow airflow for the draught<ref>Svedelius 1875, 52</ref> and would be closely managed by the colliers.

	The process typically took between ten to fourteen days; however, if conditions were unfavorable, the burning period could take three weeks<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Walker 1966, 242</ref>. The type of wood, its quality, the way the wood was piled, and the number of cords also factored into the length of the burning process<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The greater in size and dryness a billet was, the longer the coaling process would take<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. Throughout the process, the pit was carefully observed and diligently tended to by colliers to ensure that the wood was burning evenly<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>, especially at the foot of the hearth<ref>Svedelius 1875, 58</ref>. Colliers were trained to be a master in recognizing different surfaces based on their feel of the fagan.<ref>Kemper 1941, 21-22</ref>. A master collier and one or two helpers “coaled” together, working as many as eight or nine pits at a time all of which required attentive handling as any burning flame could jeopardize the final product<ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 8</ref>. As the charring process continued, pockets developed in the pit as a result of the billets shrinking<ref>Svedelius 1875, 69</ref>; the collier walks the pile, called “jumping the pit” to locate them and any soft spots are filled in with more wood<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 60</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref>.From time to time the colliers would check the status of the charcoal by poking the fagan pole down the chimney in order to ~~feel~~ how far along the burning process<ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref>. At five hundred degrees Fahrenheit the wood began to break down; the maximum temperature reached during the process was about seven hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>. Colliers needed to watch the color of the smoke and attend to the smoke-vents accordingly <ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>. White smoke was one of indicators of a proper burning<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>, whereas brown tinted smoke, or "dangerous smoke," indicated that the smoke-vents had been created too far down in the pile and a fire broke out before the main burning reached the area, which resulted in a loss of charcoal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. Throughout the burning process, the smoke would cycle through various colors and densities, which would indicate to the collier whether or not to adjust the smoke-vents at various times. At the beginning, the smoke would be thick and of a gray-white color and strong smell; but as the coaling process continued, the smoke would thin out and turn whiter in color, until the smoke became light blue, a signal that it was time to close the smoke-vets and open new ones farther down<ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>.		The process typically took between ten to fourteen days; however, if conditions were unfavorable, the burning period could take three weeks<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Walker 1966, 242</ref>. The type of wood, its quality, the way the wood was piled, and the number of cords also factored into the length of the burning process<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The greater in size and dryness a billet was, the longer the coaling process would take<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. Throughout the process, the pit was carefully observed and diligently tended to by colliers to ensure that the wood was burning evenly<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>, especially at the foot of the hearth<ref>Svedelius 1875, 58</ref>. Colliers were trained to be a master in recognizing different surfaces based on their feel of the fagan.<ref>Kemper 1941, 21-22</ref>. A master collier and one or two helpers “coaled” together, working as many as eight or nine pits at a time all of which required attentive handling as any burning flame could jeopardize the final product<ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 8</ref>. As the charring process continued, pockets developed in the pit as a result of the billets shrinking<ref>Svedelius 1875, 69</ref>; the collier walks the pile, called “jumping the pit” to locate them and any soft spots are filled in with more wood<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 60</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref>.From time to time the colliers would check the status of the charcoal by poking the fagan pole down the chimney in order to reason how far along they were in the burning process <ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref>. At five hundred degrees Fahrenheit the wood began to break down; the maximum temperature reached during the process was about seven hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>. Colliers needed to watch the color of the smoke and attend to the smoke-vents accordingly <ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>. White smoke was one of indicators of a proper burning<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>, whereas brown tinted smoke, or "dangerous smoke," indicated that the smoke-vents had been created too far down in the pile and a fire broke out before the main burning reached the area, which resulted in a loss of charcoal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. Throughout the burning process, the smoke would cycle through various colors and densities, which would indicate to the collier whether or not to adjust the smoke-vents at various times. At the beginning, the smoke would be thick and of a gray-white color and strong smell; but as the coaling process continued, the smoke would thin out and turn whiter in color, until the smoke became light blue, a signal that it was time to close the smoke-vets and open new ones farther down<ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>.

	The process was ended before all the charcoal had finished burning because this helped colliers maximize production<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref>. Colliers would typically layer dust over the pile at the end of the burning process and pack it down tightly, leaving the charcoal to cool<ref>Svedelius 1875, 82</ref>. In Sweden, the cooling process may sometimes have been aided by the use of water, where colliers would begin to water the air-tight mound after allowing it to remain undisturbed for twenty-four hours<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. Colliers would use flat, wooden scoops to toss water into the air so that it would fall onto the mound like rain, until the dust is no longer able to absorb the water<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The colliers needed to remain vigilant and continue this process as the dust dried<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The first few days of this process watering was required around two or three times a day; by the seventh day, watering was only necessary if the dust continued to dry<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>.		The process was ended before all the charcoal had finished burning because this helped colliers maximize production<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref>. Colliers would typically layer dust over the pile at the end of the burning process and pack it down tightly, leaving the charcoal to cool<ref>Svedelius 1875, 82</ref>. In Sweden, the cooling process may sometimes have been aided by the use of water, where colliers would begin to water the air-tight mound after allowing it to remain undisturbed for twenty-four hours<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. Colliers would use flat, wooden scoops to toss water into the air so that it would fall onto the mound like rain, until the dust is no longer able to absorb the water<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The colliers needed to remain vigilant and continue this process as the dust dried<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The first few days of this process watering was required around two or three times a day; by the seventh day, watering was only necessary if the dust continued to dry<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>.

Easternhemlock73: info about fagan pole added

2020-09-14T21:19:56Z

info about fagan pole added

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:19, 14 September 2020
Line 22:		Line 22:
	Ignition of the charcoal pits typically occurred in the later parts of the evening, this was done so that the colliers could sleep one more time before they had to constantly watch the pit. Normally the pit would not require the attention of the collier until the following afternoon<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. However some historical records contradict the notion that charcoal pits were usually lit late in the evening, and sources such as Svedelius's 1875 ''Handbook for Charcoal Burners'' state that ignition likely occurred in the early morning, so that the colliers could attend to the hearth during the first crucial hours in daylight<ref>Svedelius 1875, 51</ref>. Charcoal hearths were lit at the top and burned downwards<ref>Straka, 2014, 107</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. To ignite the wood, kindling was placed within the the chimney and the fagan pole was removed<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. Then, hot coals were dropped into the chimney<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref><ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref> and the opening was covered with a flat wood pieces called the "bridging"<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The bridging was then covered with leaves and straw<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref> before the burning began. Small holes or smoke-vents were created at the bottom of the pile to allow airflow for the draught<ref>Svedelius 1875, 52</ref> and would be closely managed by the colliers.		Ignition of the charcoal pits typically occurred in the later parts of the evening, this was done so that the colliers could sleep one more time before they had to constantly watch the pit. Normally the pit would not require the attention of the collier until the following afternoon<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. However some historical records contradict the notion that charcoal pits were usually lit late in the evening, and sources such as Svedelius's 1875 ''Handbook for Charcoal Burners'' state that ignition likely occurred in the early morning, so that the colliers could attend to the hearth during the first crucial hours in daylight<ref>Svedelius 1875, 51</ref>. Charcoal hearths were lit at the top and burned downwards<ref>Straka, 2014, 107</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. To ignite the wood, kindling was placed within the the chimney and the fagan pole was removed<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. Then, hot coals were dropped into the chimney<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref><ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref> and the opening was covered with a flat wood pieces called the "bridging"<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The bridging was then covered with leaves and straw<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref> before the burning began. Small holes or smoke-vents were created at the bottom of the pile to allow airflow for the draught<ref>Svedelius 1875, 52</ref> and would be closely managed by the colliers.

	The process typically took between ten to fourteen days; however, if conditions were unfavorable, the burning period could take three weeks<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Walker 1966, 242</ref>. The type of wood, its quality, the way the wood was piled, and the number of cords also factored into the length of the burning process<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The greater in size and dryness a billet was, the longer the coaling process would take<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. Throughout the process, the pit was carefully observed and diligently tended to by colliers to ensure that the wood was burning evenly<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>, especially at the foot of the hearth<ref>Svedelius 1875, 58</ref>. Colliers were trained to be a master in recognizing different surfaces based on their feel of the fagan.<ref>Kemper 1941, 21-22</ref>. A master collier and one or two helpers “coaled” together, working as many as eight or nine pits at a time all of which required attentive handling as any burning flame could jeopardize the final product<ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 8</ref>. As the charring process continued, pockets developed in the pit as a result of the billets shrinking<ref>Svedelius 1875, 69</ref>; the collier walks the pile, called “jumping the pit” to locate them and any soft spots are filled in with more wood<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 60</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref>. At five hundred degrees Fahrenheit the wood began to break down; the maximum temperature reached during the process was about seven hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>. Colliers needed to watch the color of the smoke and attend to the smoke-vents accordingly <ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>. White smoke was one of indicators of a proper burning<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>, whereas brown tinted smoke, or "dangerous smoke," indicated that the smoke-vents had been created too far down in the pile and a fire broke out before the main burning reached the area, which resulted in a loss of charcoal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. Throughout the burning process, the smoke would cycle through various colors and densities, which would indicate to the collier whether or not to adjust the smoke-vents at various times. At the beginning, the smoke would be thick and of a gray-white color and strong smell; but as the coaling process continued, the smoke would thin out and turn whiter in color, until the smoke became light blue, a signal that it was time to close the smoke-vets and open new ones farther down<ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>.		The process typically took between ten to fourteen days; however, if conditions were unfavorable, the burning period could take three weeks<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Walker 1966, 242</ref>. The type of wood, its quality, the way the wood was piled, and the number of cords also factored into the length of the burning process<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The greater in size and dryness a billet was, the longer the coaling process would take<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. Throughout the process, the pit was carefully observed and diligently tended to by colliers to ensure that the wood was burning evenly<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>, especially at the foot of the hearth<ref>Svedelius 1875, 58</ref>. Colliers were trained to be a master in recognizing different surfaces based on their feel of the fagan.<ref>Kemper 1941, 21-22</ref>. A master collier and one or two helpers “coaled” together, working as many as eight or nine pits at a time all of which required attentive handling as any burning flame could jeopardize the final product<ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 8</ref>. As the charring process continued, pockets developed in the pit as a result of the billets shrinking<ref>Svedelius 1875, 69</ref>; the collier walks the pile, called “jumping the pit” to locate them and any soft spots are filled in with more wood<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 60</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref>.From time to time the colliers would check the status of the charcoal by poking the fagan pole down the chimney in order to feel how far along the burning process<ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref>. At five hundred degrees Fahrenheit the wood began to break down; the maximum temperature reached during the process was about seven hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>. Colliers needed to watch the color of the smoke and attend to the smoke-vents accordingly <ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>. White smoke was one of indicators of a proper burning<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>, whereas brown tinted smoke, or "dangerous smoke," indicated that the smoke-vents had been created too far down in the pile and a fire broke out before the main burning reached the area, which resulted in a loss of charcoal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. Throughout the burning process, the smoke would cycle through various colors and densities, which would indicate to the collier whether or not to adjust the smoke-vents at various times. At the beginning, the smoke would be thick and of a gray-white color and strong smell; but as the coaling process continued, the smoke would thin out and turn whiter in color, until the smoke became light blue, a signal that it was time to close the smoke-vets and open new ones farther down<ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>.

	The process was ended before all the charcoal had finished burning because this helped colliers maximize production<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref>. Colliers would typically layer dust over the pile at the end of the burning process and pack it down tightly, leaving the charcoal to cool<ref>Svedelius 1875, 82</ref>. In Sweden, the cooling process may sometimes have been aided by the use of water, where colliers would begin to water the air-tight mound after allowing it to remain undisturbed for twenty-four hours<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. Colliers would use flat, wooden scoops to toss water into the air so that it would fall onto the mound like rain, until the dust is no longer able to absorb the water<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The colliers needed to remain vigilant and continue this process as the dust dried<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The first few days of this process watering was required around two or three times a day; by the seventh day, watering was only necessary if the dust continued to dry<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>.		The process was ended before all the charcoal had finished burning because this helped colliers maximize production<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref>. Colliers would typically layer dust over the pile at the end of the burning process and pack it down tightly, leaving the charcoal to cool<ref>Svedelius 1875, 82</ref>. In Sweden, the cooling process may sometimes have been aided by the use of water, where colliers would begin to water the air-tight mound after allowing it to remain undisturbed for twenty-four hours<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. Colliers would use flat, wooden scoops to toss water into the air so that it would fall onto the mound like rain, until the dust is no longer able to absorb the water<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The colliers needed to remain vigilant and continue this process as the dust dried<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The first few days of this process watering was required around two or three times a day; by the seventh day, watering was only necessary if the dust continued to dry<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>.

Easternhemlock73: citation added

2020-09-14T21:16:27Z

citation added

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:16, 14 September 2020
Line 22:		Line 22:
	Ignition of the charcoal pits typically occurred in the later parts of the evening, this was done so that the colliers could sleep one more time before they had to constantly watch the pit. Normally the pit would not require the attention of the collier until the following afternoon<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. However some historical records contradict the notion that charcoal pits were usually lit late in the evening, and sources such as Svedelius's 1875 ''Handbook for Charcoal Burners'' state that ignition likely occurred in the early morning, so that the colliers could attend to the hearth during the first crucial hours in daylight<ref>Svedelius 1875, 51</ref>. Charcoal hearths were lit at the top and burned downwards<ref>Straka, 2014, 107</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. To ignite the wood, kindling was placed within the the chimney and the fagan pole was removed<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. Then, hot coals were dropped into the chimney<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref><ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref> and the opening was covered with a flat wood pieces called the "bridging"<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The bridging was then covered with leaves and straw<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref> before the burning began. Small holes or smoke-vents were created at the bottom of the pile to allow airflow for the draught<ref>Svedelius 1875, 52</ref> and would be closely managed by the colliers.		Ignition of the charcoal pits typically occurred in the later parts of the evening, this was done so that the colliers could sleep one more time before they had to constantly watch the pit. Normally the pit would not require the attention of the collier until the following afternoon<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. However some historical records contradict the notion that charcoal pits were usually lit late in the evening, and sources such as Svedelius's 1875 ''Handbook for Charcoal Burners'' state that ignition likely occurred in the early morning, so that the colliers could attend to the hearth during the first crucial hours in daylight<ref>Svedelius 1875, 51</ref>. Charcoal hearths were lit at the top and burned downwards<ref>Straka, 2014, 107</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. To ignite the wood, kindling was placed within the the chimney and the fagan pole was removed<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref>. Then, hot coals were dropped into the chimney<ref>Kemper 1941, 18</ref><ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref> and the opening was covered with a flat wood pieces called the "bridging"<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The bridging was then covered with leaves and straw<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref> before the burning began. Small holes or smoke-vents were created at the bottom of the pile to allow airflow for the draught<ref>Svedelius 1875, 52</ref> and would be closely managed by the colliers.

	The process typically took between ten to fourteen days; however, if conditions were unfavorable, the burning period could take three weeks<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Walker 1966, 242</ref>. The type of wood, its quality, the way the wood was piled, and the number of cords also factored into the length of the burning process<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The greater in size and dryness a billet was, the longer the coaling process would take<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. Throughout the process, the pit was carefully observed and diligently tended to by colliers to ensure that the wood was burning evenly<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>, especially at the foot of the hearth<ref>Svedelius 1875, 58</ref>. Colliers were trained to be a master in recognizing different surfaces based on their feel of the fagan.<ref>Kemper 1941, 21-22</ref>. A master collier and one or two helpers “coaled” together, working as many as eight or nine pits at a time all of which required attentive handling as any burning flame could jeopardize the final product<ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 8</ref>. As the charring process continued, pockets developed in the pit as a result of the billets shrinking<ref>Svedelius 1875, 69</ref>; the collier walks the pile, called “jumping the pit” to locate them and any soft spots are filled in with more wood<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 60</ref>. At five hundred degrees Fahrenheit the wood began to break down; the maximum temperature reached during the process was about seven hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>. Colliers needed to watch the color of the smoke and attend to the smoke-vents accordingly <ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>. White smoke was one of indicators of a proper burning<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>, whereas brown tinted smoke, or "dangerous smoke," indicated that the smoke-vents had been created too far down in the pile and a fire broke out before the main burning reached the area, which resulted in a loss of charcoal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. Throughout the burning process, the smoke would cycle through various colors and densities, which would indicate to the collier whether or not to adjust the smoke-vents at various times. At the beginning, the smoke would be thick and of a gray-white color and strong smell; but as the coaling process continued, the smoke would thin out and turn whiter in color, until the smoke became light blue, a signal that it was time to close the smoke-vets and open new ones farther down<ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>.		The process typically took between ten to fourteen days; however, if conditions were unfavorable, the burning period could take three weeks<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref><ref>Walker 1966, 242</ref>. The type of wood, its quality, the way the wood was piled, and the number of cords also factored into the length of the burning process<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>. The greater in size and dryness a billet was, the longer the coaling process would take<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. Throughout the process, the pit was carefully observed and diligently tended to by colliers to ensure that the wood was burning evenly<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 61</ref>, especially at the foot of the hearth<ref>Svedelius 1875, 58</ref>. Colliers were trained to be a master in recognizing different surfaces based on their feel of the fagan.<ref>Kemper 1941, 21-22</ref>. A master collier and one or two helpers “coaled” together, working as many as eight or nine pits at a time all of which required attentive handling as any burning flame could jeopardize the final product<ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 8</ref>. As the charring process continued, pockets developed in the pit as a result of the billets shrinking<ref>Svedelius 1875, 69</ref>; the collier walks the pile, called “jumping the pit” to locate them and any soft spots are filled in with more wood<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 60</ref><ref>Kemper 1941, 20</ref>. At five hundred degrees Fahrenheit the wood began to break down; the maximum temperature reached during the process was about seven hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>. Colliers needed to watch the color of the smoke and attend to the smoke-vents accordingly <ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>. White smoke was one of indicators of a proper burning<ref>Straka and Ramer 2010, 59</ref>, whereas brown tinted smoke, or "dangerous smoke," indicated that the smoke-vents had been created too far down in the pile and a fire broke out before the main burning reached the area, which resulted in a loss of charcoal<ref>Svedelius 1875, 81</ref>. Throughout the burning process, the smoke would cycle through various colors and densities, which would indicate to the collier whether or not to adjust the smoke-vents at various times. At the beginning, the smoke would be thick and of a gray-white color and strong smell; but as the coaling process continued, the smoke would thin out and turn whiter in color, until the smoke became light blue, a signal that it was time to close the smoke-vets and open new ones farther down<ref>Svedelius 1875, 80</ref>.

	The process was ended before all the charcoal had finished burning because this helped colliers maximize production<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref>. Colliers would typically layer dust over the pile at the end of the burning process and pack it down tightly, leaving the charcoal to cool<ref>Svedelius 1875, 82</ref>. In Sweden, the cooling process may sometimes have been aided by the use of water, where colliers would begin to water the air-tight mound after allowing it to remain undisturbed for twenty-four hours<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. Colliers would use flat, wooden scoops to toss water into the air so that it would fall onto the mound like rain, until the dust is no longer able to absorb the water<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The colliers needed to remain vigilant and continue this process as the dust dried<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The first few days of this process watering was required around two or three times a day; by the seventh day, watering was only necessary if the dust continued to dry<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>.		The process was ended before all the charcoal had finished burning because this helped colliers maximize production<ref>Wagner, 2008</ref>. Colliers would typically layer dust over the pile at the end of the burning process and pack it down tightly, leaving the charcoal to cool<ref>Svedelius 1875, 82</ref>. In Sweden, the cooling process may sometimes have been aided by the use of water, where colliers would begin to water the air-tight mound after allowing it to remain undisturbed for twenty-four hours<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. Colliers would use flat, wooden scoops to toss water into the air so that it would fall onto the mound like rain, until the dust is no longer able to absorb the water<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The colliers needed to remain vigilant and continue this process as the dust dried<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>. The first few days of this process watering was required around two or three times a day; by the seventh day, watering was only necessary if the dust continued to dry<ref>Svedelius 1875, 89</ref>.