s in Canada, where nearly
every boy knows how to make them.

** The Norwegian Ski. [384]

You have often read of the ski, the snowshoe used by the
Norwegians and other people living in the far north. With them the
men and women glide down the snow-covered mountain sides, leap
across ditches, run races and have all kinds of sport. They are
just as amusing to the American boy who has ever learned to
manipulate them, and it is wonderful how much skill can be
attained in their use. Any boy with a little mechanical ingenuity
can make a pair of skis (pronounced skees). They can be made from
two barrel staves. Select staves of straight grained wood. Sharpen
the ends of each and score each end by cutting grooves in the
wood, as shown in the cut, Fig. 7. A pocket knife or small gouge
will suffice for this work. Then smear the end of the staves with
oil and hold them close to a hot fire until they can be bent so as
to tip the toes upward, as shown in the picture, Fig. 7. Then with
a cord bind the staves as they are bent and permit them to remain
thus tied until they retain the curved form of their own accord.
Now screw on top of each ski a little block, just broad and high
enough to fit in front of the heels of your shoe. Fasten a strap
in front of

[Illustration: Home-Made Skis]

each block through which to slip your toes, and the skis are made.
The inside of the shoe heel should press firmly against the block
and the toe be held tightly under the strap. This will keep the
skis on your feet. Now procure a stick with which to steer and
hunt a snow bank. At first you will afford more amusement to
onlookers than to yourself, for the skis have a way of trying to
run in opposite directions, crosswise and various ways, but with
practice you will soon become expert in their manipulation.

** Home-Made Settee [385]

Many people have old wooden beds stored away which can easily be
made into handy settees like the one shown in the accompanying
photograph. A few nails and one-half dozen 3-in. screws are all
the materials necessary besides the old bed. The tools needed are
a saw, hammer and a screwdriver. The head-board, if too high, can
be cut

[Illustration: Settee Made from Old Wooden Bed]

off and some of the ornaments replaced. The footboard must be cut
in two to make the ends or arms of the settee. The side rails and
a few of the slats are used in making the seat.
--Contributed by Wm. F. Hild, Lake Forest, Ill.