Two electric globes are made to cast the strongest possible light on the picture card set between them and in front of which a lens is placed to project the view on the screen, the whole being enclosed in a light-tight box.  The box can be made of selected oak or mahogany.  The lens to be used as a projector will determine the size of the box to some extent.  The measurements given in these instructions are for a lens of about 5 in. focal length.  The box should be constructed of well seasoned wood and all joints made with care so they will be light-tight.

The portion shown carrying the lens in Fig. 1 is made to slide in the main body of the lantern for focusing.  A box should first be made 5-1/2 in. wide, 5-1/2 in. high and 11 in. long.  A hole is cut in the back of the box 4 by 6 in. represented by the dotted line in Fig. 2.  This will be 3/4 in. from the top and bottom and 2-1/2 in. from each end of the outside of the box.  Two strips of wood 1/2 in. wide and 6-1/2 in. long are fastened along the top and bottom of the back.  The door covering this hole in the back, and, which is also used as a carrier for the post cards, is made from a board 4-1/2 in. wide and 6-1/2 in. long.  The door is hinged to the lower strip and held in position by a turn button on the upper strip.  The slides for the picture cards are made from strips of tin bent as shown, and tacked to the inside surface of the door.

The runners to hold the part carrying the lens are two pieces 2-1/4 in. wide by 5 in. long and should be placed

[Illustration:  Details of the Post Card Lantern]

vertically, AA, as shown in Fig. 1, 3-1/2 in. from each end.  An open space 4 in. wide and 5 in. high in the center is for the part carrying the lens to slide for focusing.  The part carrying the lens is a shallow box 4 by 5 in. and 2 in. deep in the center of which a hole is cut to admit the lens.  If a camera lens is used, the flange should be fastened with screws to the front part of this shallow box.  The sides of this box should be made quite smooth and a good, but not tight, fit into the runners.  Plumbago can be rubbed on to prevent sticking and to dull any rays of light.

Two keyless receptacles for electric globes are fastened to the under side of the top in the position shown and connected with wires from the outside.  Two or three holes about 1 in. in diameter should be bored in the top between and in a line with the lights.  These will provide ventilation to keep the pictures from being scorched or becoming buckled from the excessive heat.  The holes must be covered over on the top with a piece of metal or wood to prevent the light from showing on the ceiling.  This piece should not be more than 1/2 in. high and must

[Illustration:  Post Card Lantern Complete]

be colored dead black inside to cause no reflection.