** Freezing Pipes [409]

The water in hot water supply pipes will freeze quicker than water that has not been heated.  This is because the air, which is a poor conductor of heat, has been driven out by the heat.

** How to Carry Books [409]

Almost all school children carry their books with a strap put around and b u c k led very tight.  This will make dents in the cover where the board overlaps the body of the book.  If the strap is left loose, the books are liable to slip out.  Place the cover of one book between the cover and fly leaf of its neighbor and the difficulty will be remedied.  This will place the books in alternate directions.  Books stacked in this manner do not require the strap buckled tight, or, they can be carried without any strap just as well.  —­Contributed by Thos.  De Loaf, Grand Rapids, Mich.

[Illustration:  Stacking Books]

** Bottle Pushers [409]

[Illustration:  Bottle pushers. —­This is a game in which the competitors push bottles on the ice with hockey sticks.  All the bottles must be the same size and make.  The persons participating must keep their bottles upright at all times.  The bottles are lined up for the start and at the word “go,” each person pushes a bottle across the field for a distance that is agreed upon.]

** How to Make a Hammock [410]

Anyone can make a hammock as good as can be bought and that at a cost so small that every member of the family can possess one providing there are places enough for hanging them.

The materials required are a needle about 7 in. long, and with a big eye, an iron ring for each end of the hammock, two long smooth sticks on which to knit the hammock and two pounds of strong hemp cord or twine.  The twine may be colored in any color or combination of colors desired.  A Roman stripe at each end of the hammock makes a pretty effect.

A hammock 45 in. wide will not be too large for solid comfort.  To knit it first thread the big needle and holding it in the left hand, hold the cord in place with the thumb until you have looped the cord over the tongue, then pass the cord under the needle to the opposite side and catch it over the tongue.  Repeat this operation until the needle is full.  Cut a 2-yd. length of cord and make a loop and fasten to the door knob or to some other convenient place.  Tie the cord on the needle to this loop 3 in. from the end of the loop.  Place the small mesh stick under the cord with the beveled edge close to the loop, and, with a thumb on the cord to hold it in place, pass the needle around the stick and then, point downward, pass it through the loop from the top, and then bring it over the stick so forming the first half of the knot.

Pull this tight and hold in place with a thumb while throwing the cord over your hand, which forms the loop.  Pass the needle from under through the loops and draw fast to fasten the knot.  Hold this in place and repeat the operation.