A Toy Mortar may be made similarly, with the exception of the carriage or mortar-bed. [Figures 292 and 293] show the details for this, which is different from a regular mortar, one end being enclosed for an ammunition box. Make a cover for the ammunition box to prevent sparks from igniting the packages of crackers, using pieces of leather for hinges. As shown in the section drawing ([Fig. 293]), the mortar-bed is mounted upon a small board, being held in place by means of a short screw, which makes it possible to swing the mortar around in any position desired.
Figs. 292-293.—A Fire-cracker Mortar.
These cannons and mortars will furnish sport not only for the Fourth, but for any other day of the year, as they can be used by a crowd of boys in
Mimic Battles, with paper soldiers. The boys should divide into armies, and construct their fortifications about twenty feet apart, planting the guns upon the works and placing the paper soldiers behind. All paper soldiers knocked over are out of the game, and the side first completely killing the enemy's garrison is, of course, the winner of the day. These battles are always very exciting, especially toward the end, when there are but a few warriors remaining. In order that the projectiles may fit all the cans, it is necessary to have them all of the same size.
Fig. 294.—Another Toy Cannon.
Another Toy Cannon that is simple to make is shown in [Fig. 294]. For this, buy a short piece of glass tubing at a drug-store and have the druggist seal one end of it. Then secure a good-sized cork and cut a hole through the side large enough for the tube to run through (see A in [Fig. 294]). Cut out a pair of wooden wheels about three inches in diameter, and fasten them to the ends of the cork with a pin or small nail. Make the cannon shafts four inches long, point one end of each and stick them into the cork at B and C. The open end of the tube should be at D and the sealed end at E.