the runners and propels the sleigh by pushing backward with the
other foot. To steady the body an upright support is attached to
the runners. The contrivance can be used upon hard frozen ground,
thin ice and snow-covered surfaces, and under favorable conditions
moves with remarkable speed. The "running sleigh" has a decided
advantage over skis, because the two foot supports are braced so
that they cannot come apart. Any boy can make the sleigh.

[Illustration: Running Sleigh]

** The Winged Skater [381]

With the actual speed of the wind a skater may be hurled along the
ice if he is aided by sails. He has been known to travel at the
rate of 40 miles an hour,

[Illustration: Frame for Skater's Sails]

And the sport while affording the limit of excitement, is not
attended with danger. The sails are easily made, as the
illustrations and description will show.

Secure two large thin hoops about 4 ft. in diameter. They may be
obtained from an old hogshead or by bending thin strips. For each
hoop select a piece of strong cane about 3/4 in. in diameter to
constitute the fore and main masts or cross-yards. Extend these
across the center of the hoop and fasten each end firmly to the
hoop's sides. For the middle of each cross-spar make a cleat and
lash it on firmly. The main spar should also be made of two pieces
of strong cane, each about 9-1/2 ft. long. Bind them together at
each end so that the large end of one is fastened to the small end
of the other.

Next comes the attaching of the sails to the separate masts. The
sails should be made of strong sheeting or thin canvas. Tack the
cloth to the hoop on the inner side after it has been wrapped
around the hoop two or three times.

Now the main spar should be attached by springing it apart and
slipping the cleats of the cross-spar between the two pieces. Bind
the inner sides of the hoops tightly together by means of a very
strong double cord, as shown in the figure. Then your sail is
ready for the ice pond. See that your skates are securely
fastened, raise your

[Illustration: Skater's Sails Finished]

sail and you will skim along the ice as lightly as a bird on the
wing. With a little practice you will learn to tack and guide
yourself as desired.

[Illustration: Plan of Ice Boat, Sail and Rudder]

If the hoops cannot be easily obtained the sails may be made
equally effective by using the main spar and fore and main masts
as herein described, making the sail