Camp Lantern Made of a Tin Can
Campers, and others who have need of an emergency lantern, may be interested in the contrivance shown in the sketch, which was used in preference to other lanterns and made quickly when no light was at hand. It consists of an ordinary tin can, in the side of which a candle has been fixed. A ring of holes was punched through the metal around the candle and wires were placed at the opposite side for a support. The glistening interior of the can reflects the light admirably.—Contributed by F. H. Sweet, Waynesboro, Va.
¶Interior woodwork may be made proof against ordinary flame by coating it with silicate of soda, known as water glass.
Sidecar for a Parcel-Delivery Bicycle
By P. P. AVERY
Quick delivery of small packages within a two-mile radius can be accomplished with a bicycle by a sturdy boy. An ordinary bicycle is used, preferably one with coaster brake and mudguards. Iron braces, ¹⁄₄ by 1¹⁄₄ in., are shaped to make the framework, and the ends are looped to fasten around the frame of the bicycle and the supporting fork of the third wheel. This wheel is a bicycle front wheel with a fork. A mudguard on the third wheel is desirable. Make the iron parts as detailed, and fasten them into place. The body is made of ⁷⁄₈-in. wood, preferably oak. The upper portion of the body is cut to receive the top brace, which is not in the way in loading or unloading the packages. Fasten the box with ¹⁄₄-in. carriage bolts, using a spring washer under the nut wherever a joint is made between wood and iron. A canvas cover can be cut to fit the top and secured at one end only, with three catch knobs on the sides and corresponding eyelets in the canvas, keeping the dust and rain from the interior of the body.
An Ordinary Strong Bicycle can be Made into a Substantial Delivery Car by the Addition of a Body and a Third Wheel
It is a good plan to stiffen the body with corner braces, using ¹⁄₈ by ³⁄₄-in. band iron. The floor of the body should be strongly fastened, tongue-and-groove boards being used, and the side corners should be fitted with iron braces at the bottom. The body may be extended farther over the rear, if more loading space is required.
One coat of priming and one of paint finishes the box, and with the name of the merchant on the front and rear, the whole makes a neat advertising feature. Regarding the selection of a bicycle, since great speed is not essential, the lower the gearing is, the easier it will be to propel the load, and for ordinary work, where only small grades are covered, a gear of about 65 will be found efficient.