boys and a swing for the
smaller ones, can be made on the same standards. Instead of the
usual two short ropes, tied and bolted through the top crosstimber
bore two holes large enough for the ropes to pass through easily.
Pass the rope along the crosspiece and down the post and tie it to
cleats nailed at a height that can be easily reached.

At the ends of the crosspiece drive two nails, allowing them to
project 1 or 2 in. This will keep the rope from slipping off when
the rings and swing are raised and lowered. All sharp edges should
be sandpapered to prevent

[Illustration: Rings and Swing]

the rope from being cut. A board with notches cut in the ends will
make a good swing board which can be removed instantly.
--Contributed by W. A. Jaquythe, Richmond, Cal.

** Homemade Telegraph Key [283]

[Illustration: Key and Connections]

A piece of wood, 1/2 in. thick, 2 in. wide and 5 in. long, is used
for the base of this instrument. Two wire nails, each 1 in. long,
are used for the cores of the magnets. Each nail is wound with
three or four layers of fine insulated magnet wire, about No. 25
gauge, similar to that used in electric bells, leaving about 1/4
in. of the end bare so that they may be driven into the wood base.
The connections for the coils are shown in the sketch, at A.

About 1 in. behind the coils is fastened a small block of wood,
the top of which is just even with the top of the nails in the
coils. A piece of tin, cut in the shape of the letter T, is
fastened with two screws to the top of this block, and the end
bent slightly so as to clear the top of the nails about 1/32 in.

The key lever is cut from a thin piece of wood, in the shape shown
in the sketch, and pivoted in a slotted block which is used as a
base for the key. A piece of bare copper wire is fastened along
the under side of the key, as shown by the dotted lines. A rubber
band, passing over the end of the key and attached to the base
with a tack, acts as a spring to keep the key open. A small piece
of tin is fastened to the base under the knob of the key. This is
for making the contact between the copper on the key and the wires
from the coils, when the key is pushed down.
--Contributed by W. H. Lynas.

** Protecting Sleeves [283]

Bicycle trousers-guards make excellent sleeve bands when the cuffs
are turned back and rolled above the elbows.

** Imitation Arms and Armor-Part VII [284]

The helmets, breastplates and gau