** Sliding Box Cover Fastener [256]

[Illustration:  Box with Fastener]

While traveling through the country as a watchmaker I found it quite convenient to keep my small drills, taps, small brooches, etc., In boxes having a sliding cover.  To keep the contents from spilling or getting mixed in my case I used a small fastener as shown in the accompanying illustration, The fastener is made of steel or brass and fastened by means of small screws or tacks on the outside of the box.  A hole is drilled on the upper part to receive the pin that is driven into the sliding cover.  This pin should not stick out beyond the thickness of the spring, which is bent up at the point so the pin will freely pass under it.  The pin can be driven through the cover to prevent it from being pulled entirely out of the box.  —­Contributed by Herm Grabemann, Milwaukee, Wis.

** How to Chain a Dog [257]

A good way to chain a dog and give him plenty of ground for exercise is to stretch a clothesline or a galvanized

[Illustration:  The Dog Has Plenty of Room for Exercise]

wire between the house and barn on which is placed a ring large enough to slide freely.  The chain from the dog’s collar is fastened to the ring.  This method can also be used for tethering a cow or horse, the advantage being the use of a short tie rope eliminating the possibility of the animal becoming entangled.

** Water-Color Box [257]

There are many different trays in the market for the purpose of holding water colors, but they are either too expensive for the average person or too small to be convenient.  I do a great deal of water-color work and always felt the need of a suitable color dish.  At last I found something that filled my want and suited my pocketbook.  I bought 22 individual salt dishes and made a box to hold them, as shown in the illustration.  This box has done good service.

Some of the advantages are:  Each color is in a separate dish which can be easily taken out and cleaned; the dishes are deep enough to prevent spilling the colors into the adjoining ones, and the box can be made as big or as small as individual needs require.  The tray containing the color dishes and brushes rests on 1/4-in. round pieces 2-1/4 in. from the bottom of the box, thus giving ample store room for colors, prints, slides and extra brushes.

[Illustration:  Color Trays Made of Salt Dishes]

—­Contributed by B. Beller, Hartford, Connecticut.

** Saving Ink Pens [257]

Ink usually corrodes pens in a short time.  This can be prevented by placing pieces of steel pens or steel wire in the ink, which will absorb the acid and prevent it from corroding the pens.

** A Plant-Food Percolator [258]