THAT THE WORD "HEARTH" is synonymous with"home" in many languages is not surprising since muchof the enjoyment of home and camp life centers about anopen fire. In mild climates a properly built fireplace willheat a single room, and when equipped with a convectionheater will also heat a second room on the same floor or anupper floor. In colder climates it is a useful adjunct toother heating systems if provided with a damper.

This bulletin is intended to give the householder andprospective builder, especially the farmer who might superintendthe construction of his home, a working knowledge ofthe principles to be observed in planning and building fireplacesand chimneys. These principles, if observed, willmake the structures useful and satisfactory and insure theirsafety.

Safe fireplaces and chimneys that function properly canbe built by applying the principles given in this bulletin, buta good chimney will not last indefinitely without proper careand repair.

Fireplaces and chimneys, being conspicuous architecturalfeatures, should be pleasing in appearance and conform withthe general design of the building and its surroundings.

This bulletin supersedes Farmers' Bulletin 1649, Constructionof Chimneys and Fireplaces.

Washington, D. C. Issued December, 1941