Attempts to make “close-up” photographs of machinery, or highly polished objects, often fail because the reflection of light upon the bright surfaces causes a blur in the photograph. Some photographers use putty to deaden the gloss. A lump of putty is rubbed over the surface gently where a brilliant reflection is visible, or the entire surface is rubbed so that it presents an even, dead finish on the ground glass of the camera, when focusing.—Ralph W. Tillotson, Erie, Pennsylvania.
Coop for Sitting Hens
Each Hen Has a Compartment, with Plenty of Space for Exercising
When several hens are to hatch out settings at the same time, considerable space can be saved and much convenience afforded by making a coop as shown in the illustration. It consists of an outer frame of boards, 1 ft. wide and 6 ft. long, or as long as desired for the runway. The frame is divided into compartments by boards extending from end to end, each compartment being for one hen. The frame is placed on level ground and staked in place. At opposite ends of each compartment is a hinged cover. The intervening space is covered with wire netting, with shelter boards placed loosely over it. Under one of the hinged covers the nest should be placed on the ground, and at the opposite end food and water are provided. Each hen has plenty of space to exercise in, and must at least get up for food and water. The individual covers permit separate examination of the eggs, or feeding of the hens.—F. W. Buerstatte, Pullman, Wash.
Smoking of Lamp Overcome by Increasing Draft
While sitting in a room around a lamp, a group of workmen discussed the probable causes for the smoking of an oil lamp. By way of experiment, holes were punched in the perforated part of the burner, increasing the draft through the glass chimney. It was then possible to turn the light up much higher, without the usual deposit of smoke. As a result of this, several other troublesome lamps were soon remedied.—J. E. McCormack, Haliburton, Ontario, Can.
Pencil Sharpener Made of Wafer Razor Blade
This tool combines a knife and a file in one handle, of wood, 7 in. long. The knife is a single-edged safety-razor blade, clamped to the handle by two round-head screws. A space, ¹⁄₈ in. deep, under the blade is allowed for chips, and a piece of a fine file is recessed into the other end of the handle. To use this sharpener, hold it as a pocketknife is ordinarily held in whittling. The blade will keep its edge for a considerable time.—Ralph W. Hills, Madison, Wisconsin.