When the Shelf is Lowered the Support Telescopes and is Out of the Way
The supporting arm of the hinged shelf is constructed of a piece of gas pipe and a length of iron rod which slides snugly into the pipe. A spring catch is set in the pipe at the proper height to engage the end of the iron rod when the shelf is up. This spring must be of good size, as it holds the entire weight of the shelf. A large clock spring is suitable. One end of the spring is bent outward and upward to form a releasing handle. The other end is drilled for the two machine screws which hold it to the pipe. The spring works in a rectangular slot, cut lengthwise of the pipe. The pipe must extend 8 or 10 in. beyond the spring. The ends of the rod and of the pipe are pivoted with screws or rivets on angle pieces screwed to the shelf and wall.—Contributed by Donald A. Price, Wilmington, Del.
A Bug Powder
To secure a nonpoisonous roach and bug powder mix dry 3 lb. plaster of Paris with 2 lb. of sugar, then add 1 oz. of pulverized aniseed. The addition of a little corn meal will help to draw the pests.—Contributed by Loren Ward, Des Moines, Iowa.
How the Capacity of an Incubator may be Doubled
About 10 days after setting the incubator one may easily start another hatch by placing more eggs on top of the incubator in the following manner: Make a pad about 1 in. thick of any cotton material and place it on top of the incubator. Cut four pieces of boards, 1 by 4 in., and fit them around the top of the incubator. Nail them together as in making the sides and ends of a box. Pad the inside of this frame about 1 in. thick and tack it on top of the incubator, being careful that none of the material comes too close to the lamp. Place the eggs inside of this tray and cover them with a pad about 3 in. thick. Turn the eggs the same as those on the inside. When the first hatch comes out, place the eggs kept on top in the incubator after having cleaned it with a solution of carbolic acid.—Contributed by Hattie J. Day.
Homemade Rivet Set
Desiring to rivet some pieces of leather together and having no rivet set, I hastily made one from a strip of heavy sheet tin, 3/4 in. wide. This was rolled at one end, as shown in the sketch, and the other end notched to fit over the rivet end. The rolled end formed the part for setting the washer and the slotted end held the washer down while the first blows of the hammer were struck.
