projecting after the head has been removed. Two holes are made in
the wing, exactly central, to fit on these two nails. Another nail
is driven part way into the end of a stick, Fig. 4, and the
remaining part is cut off so the length will be that of the spool.
A string is used around the spool in the same manner as on a top.
The wing is placed on the two nails in the spool, and the spool
placed on the nail in the stick, Fig. 5, and the flier is ready

[Illustration: Homemade Flying Machine]

for action. A quick pull on the string will cause the wing to
leave the nails and soar upward for a hundred feet or more. After
a little experience in twisting the wing the operator will learn
the proper shape to get the best results.

Be very careful in making the tests before the wings are turned to
the proper shape, as the direction of the flier cannot be
controlled and some one might be injured by its flight.

** How to Make an Ironing-Board Stand [429]

Secure some 1 by 3-in. boards, about 3 ft. long, and plane them
smooth. Cut the two pieces A and B 30 in. long and make a notch in
each of them, about one-third of the way from one end, 1 in. deep
and 3 in. long. These

[Illustration: Ironing-Board Stand]

notches are to receive the piece D, which has a small block
fastened to its side to receive the end of the brace C. The brace
C is 36 in. long. The upper ends of the pieces A, B and C are
fastened to a common ironing board by using iron hinges as shown
in Fig. 1. As the piece D is fitted loosely, it may be removed and
the brace, C, with the legs, A and B, folded up against the board.
--Contributed by Bert Kottinger, San Jose, Cal.

** A Home-Made Electric Plug [430]

[Illustration: Plug]

A plug suitable for electric light extension or to be used in
experimenting may be made from an old electric globe. The glass is
removed with all the old composition in the brass receptacle,
leaving only the wires. On the ends of the wires, attach two small
binding posts. Fill the brass with plaster of paris, and in doing
this keep the wires separate and the binding-posts opposite each
other. Allow the plaster to project about 3/4 in. above the brass,
to hold the binding-posts as shown.
--Contributed by Albert E. Welch, New York.

** How to Make an Electric Fire Alarm [430]

On each end of a block of wood, 1 in. square and 1 in. long,
fasten a strip of brass 1/4 by 3 in., bent in the shape as shown
in the sketch a