and putty-like, is forced
into every recess of the matrix. A thermometer is not necessary;
some rubber always protrudes and the stage of the process can be
told from that. At first it is quite elastic, then as the heat
increases it becomes soft, then the curing begins and it again
becomes elastic, so that, if a point of a knife blade is pressed
against it, it resumes its shape when the point is removed. When
this takes place it is then thoroughly vulcanized and the sheet
can be removed from the matrix. Ten minutes, under favorable
conditions, is sufficient time for moulding the rubber. By means
of common glue, or bicycle tire cement, fasten the rubber stamp to
a wooden handle.

It is possible to dispense with the press in making stamps, where
the work is not done in quantities, and use a hot flat-iron. The
matrix is placed on a stove at low heat, the rubber laid on and
the hot iron applied. But a few moments are required to mould it.

An old letter press if it be inclosed in a tin oven makes a good
press, or all the necessary materials and apparatus can be
purchased from a dealer. Any type such as all printers use will
answer.

** To Light a Gaslight Without Matches [394]

It is probably well known that if you rub your feet briskly over a
carpet on a dry, cold day and then touch any metallic object with
your finger it will emit a small spark. The following amusing
experiment may be done on the same principle:

[Illustration: Lamp Igniter]

Take any small piece of wire about 2 in. long and twist it around
a gas burner as shown at A in the sketch. Have the tip of the
burner about 1/8 in. below the end of the wire. The wire must be
just far enough away from the center of the burner to keep it out
of the flame, or else it will melt.

Now get a friend to turn on the gas when you are ready for it. Go
around the room once or twice rubbing your feet along the carpet.
When you come around to the gaslight touch the point of the wire
and if the gas is turned on, the light will flare right up as if
it had been lit with a match.

This experiment cannot be done on a damp day or without shoes, and
works best in cold weather.
--Contributed by E. H. Klipstein.

** How To Make a Trap For Rabbits, Rats and Mice [395]

From an old 6-in. pine fence board cut off four pieces 2-1/2 ft.
long and one 6 in. square for the end of the trap and another 4
in. by 8 in. for the door. Use old boards, as new boards scare
rabbits.