Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[learner12]

HELLO, teachers!!

Among the benefits which the war has brought to London, and a little less uncertain than some, is the log fire. In the country we have always burnt logs, with the air of one who was thus identifying himself with the old English manner, but in London never--unless it were those ship's logs, which gave off a blue flame and very little else, but seemed to bring the fact that we were an island people more closely home to us. Now wood fires are universal. Whether the air will be purer in consequence and fogs less common, let the scientist decide; but we are all entitled to the opinion that our drawing-rooms are more cheerful for the change.
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The paragraph above said "Now wood fires are universal." So why was the following sentence "fogs less common" written instead of "fogs more common"? I think that fogs become more common if wood fires are universal. Logical or illogical?

Thank you in advance.

[Eric Thompson]

Learner 12, I am not a meteorologist, but I know that fog is caused by cool weather conditions near the ground. So, perhaps, creating fires warms the air enough to dispel the fog. On the other hand, the soot from the smoke may cause the water vapor in the fog to condense and fall as mist. But, let the scientists debate that. You are an ESL student, aren't you?

[learner12]

Dear Eric Thompson,

Thank you so much!! You are a genius. I understood you.

Have a nice day!!