The current of a canal was utilized to raise water for irrigation purposes, and other uses, by means of the homemade device shown in the illustration. A large-size buggy wheel was set on an old axle, and extensions were fixed to eight of the spokes. Paddles, 9 by 18 in. in size, were secured to the extensions, and uniform-size tin cans were fixed to the paddles, as shown. The current revolved the wheel, carrying the loaded buckets upward, and the water was thus poured from them into a wide trough braced on the platform. A flume led the water to the irrigation ditches, and pipes were used to conduct some of it to the ranch house for general purposes. When the water is not desired for useful purposes the trough is withdrawn and the water drops into the canal.—Joseph Gray, Heber, Calif.
Protecting an Air Pump against Denting
Denting of Tire Pumps is Prevented by the Use of a Case Like That Shown
The brass cylinders of many tire pumps are made of thin metal, and a slight blow may dent them. Such injuries interfere with the action of the plunger, making the pump almost useless. A case which will afford protection to the pump is shown in the sketch. It was made of two strips of wood cored out on the inner sides to fit the pump and provided with small hinges and hooks, to lock it into place.
A Feather as an X-Ray Lens
The outline of the bones in the hand may be seen by holding it before a strong light and looking through a lens made of a piece cut from the tip of a feather. The sketch shows such a lens, which is mounted in a small piece of cardboard that may be carried in the pocket, and which affords diversion wherever exhibited.
The device is made as follows: Procure a soft white feather from a fowl, and cut off the tip as indicated in the upper sketch. Cut a piece of cardboard, about 2 in. wide and 6 in. long. Fold it to form a folder, 3 in. long, and cut a hole, ¹⁄₄ in. in diameter, through both parts of it. Glue the tip of the feather between the folder at the hole, taking care that the fibers lie flat and that no rib is exposed. Glue the edges of the folder, and the device is ready for use. Hold the hand, or other object, to be examined about 15 in. from the lens, and place the latter close to the eye. Looking through the hole toward an electric, or other strong, light, it will be observed that the bones of the hand, for example, may be seen clearly. They will be outlined with a band of varicolored light. A frosted globe is better than one which exposes a filament.—Leander L. Droesch, Chickasaw, Ohio.
¶A safety-razor blade, fitted into a wooden handle, provides a convenient tool for ripping seams and cutting cardboard.