nce shown in Fig. 39, and it is now ready for the top.

THE TOP.--The top should be made of three boards, either tongued and
grooved, or doweled and glued together. In order to give a massive
appearance, and also to prevent the end grain of the boards from being
exposed, beveled strips may be used to encase the edges. These marginal
cleats are 3/4 inch thick and 2 inches wide, and joined by beveled ends
at the corners, as shown in Fig. 40.

[Illustration: _Fig. 39._]

THE DRAWER.--The drawer (Fig. 41) shown in cross section, has its front
(A) provided with an overlapping flange (B).

It is not our object in this chapter to show how each particular article
is made, but simply to point out the underlying principles, and to
illustrate how the fastening elements, the tenons and mortises, are
formed, so that the boy will know the proper steps in their natural
order.

[Illustration: _Fig. 40._]

HOW ANY STRUCTURE IS BUILT UP.--It should be observed that each
structure, however small, is usually built from the base up. Just the
same as the more pretentious buildings are erected: First, the sill,
then the floor supports, then the posts and top plates, with their
connecting girders, and, finally, the roof.

The chapter on House Building will give more detailed illustrations of
large structures, and how they are framed and braced. At this point we
are more concerned in knowing how to proceed in order to lay out the
simple structural details, and if one subject of this kind is fully
mastered the complicated character of the article will not be difficult
to master.

OBSERVATIONS ABOUT A BOX.--As simple a little article as a box
frequently becomes a burden to a beginner. Try it. Simply keep in mind
one thing; each box has six sides. Now, suppose you want a box with six
equal sides--that is, a cubical form--it is necessary to make only three
pairs of sides; two for the ends, two for the sides and two for the top
and bottom. Each set has dimensions different from the other sets. Both
pieces of the set, representing the ends, are square; the side pieces
are of the same width as the end pieces, and slightly longer; and the
top and bottom are longer and wider than the end pieces.

[Illustration: _Fig. 41._]

A box equal in all its dimensions may be made out of six boards,
properly cut. Make an attempt in order to see if you can get the right
dimensions.

JOINTS.--For joining together boards at right angles to each other, su