After trying several devices for keeping my fishhooks, I hit upon my present method, which has been found satisfactory. The materials used are: a ¹⁄₂-lb. baking-powder tin; two disks, 2 in. in diameter and ¹⁄₄ in. thick, sawed from a convenient limb; a twig, 4 in. long, somewhat smaller than a lead pencil, made smooth and straight; enough cork stoppers, about ³⁄₄ in. in diameter at the small end, to make 3¹⁄₂ in. in length, and a few drops of cold glue.
Drill a hole lengthwise through the through the stoppers and through the center of each disk, just large enough to allow the twig to pass through closely. Cut from the small ends of two of the stoppers a piece, ¹⁄₄ in. long, for pieces A and B. Pass the twig through the long stoppers and the disks; the pieces A and B should then be glued to the ends of the twigs projecting beyond the disks, to fasten the hook holder together, and to be used for handles by which it may be lifted from the box. If the hooks are dry when they are stuck into the corks which form the center, they will keep in good condition indefinitely, and their points will never be dulled by coming in contact with the tin sides of the box or with each other.—C. A. King, East Kingston, N. H.
Improvement on Pocket Flash Lamps
It is often desirable to concentrate the rays from a pocket flash lamp on a limited area rather than spreading them, as is the case with many lamps of this type. The addition of a hood, which may be slipped over the lens, as shown in the illustration, concentrates the light in this manner. A strip of sheet brass, about ¹⁄₃₂ in. thick, 4 in. long, and ³⁄₄ in. wide, was drilled at the center, forming an opening of the same diameter as the lens. A brass tube was soldered to fit over the hole. The ends of the strip were bent back at right angles, to hold the device firmly against the sides of the flash lamp. The lamp is used in the ordinary fashion, and the clip may be removed quickly when not needed. It may be plated or finished to suit the metal parts of the lamp.—Ralph W. Tillotson, Erie, Pa.
Testing Dry Cells with Light Bulb
Tests of batteries for telephones, doorbells, and similar appliances, may be made by the use of a lamp from a pocket flash light. Remove the reflector and lamp and connect them with the poles of each cell to be tested, as shown in the sketch. The glow of the lamp is proportional to the amount of life in the cell. Very often but one dead cell will be found to cause trouble. By testing carefully the good cells may be retained and new ones substituted for those worn out.