enough to slide freely. The chain from the dog's collar is
fastened to the ring. This method can also be used for tethering a
cow or horse, the advantage being the use of a short tie rope
eliminating the possibility of the animal becoming entangled.

** Water-Color Box [257]

There are many different trays in the market for the purpose of
holding water colors, but they are either too expensive for the
average person or too small to be convenient. I do a great deal of
water-color work and always felt the need of a suitable color
dish. At last I found something that filled my want and suited my
pocketbook. I bought 22 individual salt dishes and made a box to
hold them, as shown in the illustration. This box has done good
service.

Some of the advantages are: Each color is in a separate dish which
can be easily taken out and cleaned; the dishes are deep enough to
prevent spilling the colors into the adjoining ones, and the box
can be made as big or as small as individual needs require. The
tray containing the color dishes and brushes rests on 1/4-in.
round pieces 2-1/4 in. from the bottom of the box, thus giving
ample store room for colors, prints, slides and extra brushes.

[Illustration: Color Trays Made of Salt Dishes]

--Contributed by B. Beller, Hartford, Connecticut.

** Saving Ink Pens [257]

Ink usually corrodes pens in a short time. This can be prevented
by placing pieces of steel pens or steel wire in the ink, which
will absorb the acid and prevent it from corroding the pens.

** A Plant-Food Percolator [258]

Obtain two butter tubs and bore a large number of 1/4-in. holes in
the bottom of one, then cover the perforated part with a piece of
fine brass gauze (Fig. 1), tacking the gauze well at the corners.
The other tub should be fitted with a faucet of some kind--a wood
faucet, costing 5 cents, will answer the purpose. Put the first
tub on top of the other with two narrow strips between them (Fig.
2). Fill the upper tub, about three-fourths full, with well packed
horse manure, and pour water on it until it is well soaked. When
the water has percolated through into the lower tub, it is ready
to use on house and garden plants and is better than plain water,
as it adds both fertilizer and moisture.
--Contributed by C. O. Darke, West Lynn, Mass.

[Illustration: FIG.1, Fig. 2]

** Lathe Safety [258]

Always caliper the work in a lathe while it is standing still.
Never use the ways of a