The multitude of indifferently executed small articles which followed the introduction of pyrography is beginning to disappear.  People are considering the art more seriously and

[Illustration:  Table and Seat Decorated in Pyro-Carving]

applying it to more dignified uses.  Pyro-carving is one of the new methods of decorating furniture which is both beautiful and practical, two qualities which do not always go together.

The library set illustrated consists of a table, 30 to 50 in., with two benches, 14 in. wide, of the same length.  The supports are made of selected white pine, which must be absolutely free from pitch.  The pine is soft enough to work easily with the point and stands wear much better than basswood.  The tops and braces are made of curly fir.  All of the material must be 2-in. lumber, which dresses to about 1-1/2 in.  All surfaces, except the faces of the supports, are given a well rubbed coat of oil with a little burnt umber, the stain to be applied directly to the wood without a filler.

On the outside of the supports the design is drawn in with pencil, the background is then cut out smoothly with a chisel to the depth of an eighth of an inch, leaving the decoration in relief.  It is then burned deeply, the background in straight flat strokes, the outlines having the effect of a sloping, dark edge.  The shadows are burned in as deeply as possible and the shading is put in with the flat of the point.

A wax or eggshell oil-varnish finish is most suitable for this set, but any other finish may be applied, as the builder may desire, to make it harmonize with other furnishings.

** Cleaning Brass [407]

Small brass castings can be cleaned by heating them slightly and then dipping them in a solution of sal ammoniac.  The pieces will come out as bright and clean as if new.  This cleaning process is the same as that used in cleaning a soldering iron.

** A Phoneidoscope [407]

The phoneidoscope has many and varied forms, but the simplest can be made by bending the forefinger and thumb so as to form a circle and then drawing a soap film across the opening.  This is done in a manner similar to the blowing of soap bubbles.  The angle with the direction of the light may be readily adjusted by turning the wrist, a motion of the elbow alters the distance from the mouth and the tension of the film can be regulated by moving the thumb and forefinger.  Singing or speaking at the film when under proper tension will cause beautiful figures to appear, which may be reflected from the film directly on the screen.  —­Contributed by Robt.  E. Bradley, Winchester, Mass.

** A Home-Made Yankee Bobsled [408]

A good coasting sled, which I call a Yankee bob, can be made from two hardwood barrel staves, two pieces of

[Illustration:  Runners Made of Barrel Staves]