For etching, first cover the metal with black asphaltum varnish, on the back and all the parts that are not to be touched with the acid.  In the design shown, the unshaded parts should not be etched and should, therefore, be covered the same as the back.  Apply two coats, allowing each time to dry, after which immerse the metal in a solution prepared as follows:  3 parts water, 1 part nitric acid, 1 part sulphuric acid.  Allow the metal to remain in this until the acid has eaten to a depth of 1/32 in., then remove it and clean in a turpentine bath, using a swab and an old stiff brush.  The amount of time required to do the etching will depend upon the strength of the liquid, as well as the depth of etching desired.

[Illustration:  Watch Fob]

For coloring silver, as well as brass and copper, cover the metal with a solution of the following:  1/2 pt. of water in which dissolve, after breaking up, five cents worth of sulphureted potassium.  Put a teaspoonful of this into a tin with 2 qt. of water.  Polish a piece of scrap metal and dip it in the solution.  If it colors the metal red, it has the correct strength.  Drying will cause this to change to purple.  Rub off the highlights, leaving them the natural color of the metal and apply a coat of banana-oil lacquer.

** An Austrian Top [12]

All parts of the top are of wood and they are simple to make.  The handle is a piece of pine, 5-1/4 in. long, 1-1/4 in. wide and 3/4 in. thick.  A handle, 3/4 in. in diameter, is formed on one end, allowing only 1-1/4 in. of the other end to remain rectangular in shape.  Bore a 3/4-in. hole in this end for the top.  A 1/16-in. hole is bored in the edge to enter the large hole as shown.  The top can be cut from a broom handle or a round stick of hardwood.

[Illustration:  Parts of the Top]

To spin the top, take a piece of stout cord about 2 ft. long, pass one end through the 1/16-in. hole and wind it on the small part of the top in the usual way, starting at the bottom and winding upward.  When the shank is covered, set the top in the 3/4-in. hole.  Take hold of the handle with the left hand and the end of the cord with the right hand, give a good quick pull on the cord and the top will jump clear of the handle and spin vigorously.  —­Contributed by J.F.  Tholl, Ypsilanti, Michigan.

** Pockets for Spools of Thread [13]

A detachable pocket for holding thread when sewing is shown herewith.  The dimensions may be varied to admit any number or size of spools.  Each pocket is made to take a certain size spool, the end of the thread being run through the cloth front for obtaining the length for threading a needle.  This will keep the thread from becoming tangled and enable it always to be readily drawn out to the required length.  —­Contributed by Miss L. Alberta Norrell, Augusta, Ga.

[Illustration:  Pockets for Thread]

** Cleaning Leather on Furniture [13]