School: Lios Dubh (B.)

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1. Artificial Light (continued)

   

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   of October to the end of January.
   Lastly were the "dip" candles. The wicks made of cotton or woollen thread were dipped into melted fat or bees' wax. After the dipping that coat was allowed to dry before the next dipping. Several dippings were necessary before the candles were the required thickness. Those "dips" gave fair good light but often smut gathered on the burning wick and it was necessary to "snuff" the candle. In some houses there was a regular snuffers for this a small pair of tongs.
   Later came the tinker's lamp, a small little lamp made by the tin smith. Paraffin oil was burned in it. It had no chimney, gave a poor light enough and of course was very smoky.

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Séamus Ó hOighleáin

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Garryroe, Co. Mayo