The present work deals, in the most concise manner possible, with the actual state of knowledge in rela tion to recovery work after pit fires. The literature of the subject does not contain much that can serve for the guidance of the practical man, and the pre sent is the sole existing work treating exclusively of this branch of the miner's art in its actual state of development. The author was encouraged to publish this volume by reason of his long experience in various mines and extensive travels abroad. It will be found to commence with dissertations on the origin, indica tions and means of preventing pit fires, followed by a description of all the best methods of effecting the subsequent recovery work. The examples cited of actual instances in practice, stripped of all super?uous matter, should facilitate the better understanding of same, and better enable the practical man to adopt the most suitable measures in face of an actual cata strophe. Even though the conditions vary in cases of accident, the expert will be able to utilise the -experience detailed in these descriptions, partly in taking measures for preventing future disasters.