The Location of Hits is Recorded by a Beam of Light Streaming through the Hole Shot in the Paper Target
The joys of target practice are often hampered by the delays in the settlement of hits. It takes time and is annoying to be constantly advancing to the target to examine it. To do away with this, an illuminated target was constructed that enables the shooter to locate every hit without leaving his post. To make the device, a square wooden box of convenient size is obtained. In one side of this, cut a round hole as large as the largest ring on the targets used. The side opposite this is fitted with a piece of sheet iron to stop the bullets. Paint this iron and the interior white. Inside the box, arrange four electric lights so their rays will be thrown on the hole, as shown. Candles may be used, if necessary. The lamps must be out of range of the bullets, that hit the target, and protected by an iron plate. The targets, painted on thin paper, are fastened over the front of the hole, and the lights are on, while shooting. Each shot punctures the paper, and the light streaming through the hole will show the location of the hit.—Thomas W. Benson, Philadelphia, Pa.
Kinks in Washing Photographic Negatives and Prints
Photographic defects, spots, stains, etc., are often due to inadequate washing. In the common method of washing negatives or prints under the tap, in a dish, the water is not changed quickly enough. If the negatives are placed film downward and supported at the edges, the washing is quicker and more thorough. Films as well as glass negatives are in the same class in the matter of washing. Films should not stick together, and the sharp edges must not be permitted to cause scratches.
Bird House Made of an Old Straw Hat
A bird house of an old straw hat is a practical and easily contrived affair. Cut a hole in the crown of the hat. Then nail the hat against a board of proper size. To protect the hat against the rain, put a roof over it, as shown. A perch is also provided. Such a bird house can be hung against the trunk of a tree, or nailed against a wall. Leaving the hat in its natural straw color, and painting the rest a dark brown, produces a satisfactory effect.—C. L. Meller, Fargo, N. D.