Fig. [518].—Strings tied on tin lid.
These are very necessary in weighing different articles. They can be made of the round covers of two large-sized baking-powder or cracker cans ([Fig. 514]). Have the covers exactly the same size, and punch three holes in the rim of each at equal distances apart ([Fig. 515]). To obtain the exact measurements for placing the holes, take a strip of paper and wrap it smoothly and tightly around the outside of the rim of the cover. Let the paper be a trifle narrower than the rim of the lid, and be sure to fold over the long end exactly where it meets the first end ([Fig. 516], A). Remove the paper, cut off the fold, and again try the strip on the cover. See that the measurement is perfectly correct, then take the paper off and fold it into three equal sections, making two folds and two ends ([Fig. 517]), and for the third time wrap the strip of paper around the cover rim. Mark the tin at the point where the ends meet, and where the two creases in the paper strike the tin; this will give three marks on the rim equally distant from each other. Drive a wire nail through the tin rim at the three marked places to make the necessary holes ([Fig. 515]); then tie knots in the ends of six pieces of string of equal length, and thread a string through each of the three holes in each of the lids. Fasten the three strings on each lid together at the top ([Fig. 518]). Cut a notch at each end of a stick and tie the scales in place ([Fig. 519]). Make two notches in the centre of the stick, one on the top, the other on the bottom, and tie a string around the stick at the centre notches by which to suspend the scales. This centre string may be fastened to an overhanging tree-branch, or you can make a support for it. Nail an upright stick to the end of the counter and box, allowing it to come a little below the board; then nail another upright stick in the same way to the other end of the counter. Notch the tops of the uprights, lay a long, slender stick across from one to the other and tie the centre string of the scales on the cross-stick ([Fig. 520]). [Fig. 521] gives an end view and shows exactly how to nail the upright on the box and end of board. Use different-sized stones as weights; a small one for a quarter of a pound, one twice as large for a half pound, and another twice the size of the last for a whole pound.
Fig. [519].—Scales of tin can lids.
Fig. [521].—Nail upright on box and end of board this way.
Fig. [520].—Take your place behind the counter and keep store.
Find a number of empty boxes in which to keep
Your Supplies,