Ray, No lid? What kept the smoke in? I've got a pile of rocks in my backyard already... Thanks, John Pavao ---------- After tasting the results of my smoker, a friend of mine invited me over to see his. It consisted of a pile of bricks (no morter)and dirt. The meat was held on an old refridgerator shelf! It worked as well as mine and better than mine in cold weather! Neither of us ever used charcol, prefering the loose branches in we could pick up in the neiborhood for free. Each type of tree imparts a different taste (grape vines are best for fish). For a great taste, I use the staves of Jack Daniel's wiskey barrels which are sold as planters at the garden supply store. Ray Audette Author "NeanderThin:A Caveman's Guide to Nutrition" http://www.sofdesign.com/neander