er
pattern of the development. The illustration shows how this will
look and the size of the parts for the back dimensioned above.
Trace this shape on the metal with the carbon paper and cut it out
by means of metal shears. Polish the metal, using powdered pumice
and lye, then with a nail, punch the holes, through which small
round-head brass screws are to be placed to hold the metal to the
wood back. Carefully bend the metal to shape by placing it on the
edge of a board and putting another board on top and over the
lower edge so as to keep the bending true.

The wood back may be treated in quite a variety of ways. If soft
wood, such as basswood or pine was used, it may be treated by
burning with the pyrography outfit. If no outfit is at hand a very
satisfactory way is to take a knife and cut a very small V-shaped
groove around the design and border so as to keep the colors from
"running." Next stain the leaves of the conventional plant with a
little green wood dye and with another dye stain the petals of the
flower red. Malachite and mahogany are the colors to use. Rub a
coat of weathered oil stain over the whole back and wipe dry with
a cloth. The green and red are barbarously brilliant when first
put on, but by covering them at the same time the background is
colored brown, they are "greyed" in a most pleasing manner. When
it has dried over night, put a coat or two of wax and polish over
the wood as the directions on the can suggest.

The metal holder may next be fastened in place.

If one has some insight in carving, the background might be
lowered and the plant modeled, the whole being finished in linseed
oil. If carving is contemplated, hard woods such as cherry or
mahogany should be used.

** Protecting the Fingers from Chemicals [283]

The finger nails and fingers may be easily protected from stains
of chemicals by coating them with a wax made up as follows: Melt
white wax in the same manner as melting glue. This may be done by
cutting the wax into small pieces, placing them in a vessel and
setting the vessel in boiling water. To each ounce of melted wax
thoroughly stir in 1 dr. of pure olive oil. The fingers should be
dipped into the wax while it is in a liquid state. This will form
a coating that will permit the free use of the fingers, yet
protects the skin from the chemicals. It is useful for
photographers.

** Combined Turning Rings and Swings [283]

This trapeze, with rings for the large