Stemp's patent wick is said to be practically fireproof, and not to char. To produce this wick, to every gallon of water add 2.14oz. of boric acid and 3.22 oz. of strong liquor ammonia. Dip the new wick in the mixture, and dry. A little dye added will enable the dipped wicks to be distinguished from the undipped. By another method a piece of carbon is fixed on the top of the wick. The cotton wick supplies the oil to the carbon, and the latter is lighted as usual; and, obviously, cannot char. File a small piece of carbon to fit the wick tube of a flat-wick burner with as little shake as possible; attach a piece of clean cotton wick to the carbon, and try the effect.