Hobbies Weekly No. 4
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PRESENTATION FRETWORK DESIGN WITH THIS NUMBER. Aw For Amateurs of Both Sexes. end - VOL ane _NOVEMBER 9, 1895. Bin ts _ ONE PENNY. Bazaar Decoration. Stamp. Collecting Week by Week. Fretworking in Wood. The Magic Lantern and How to Prepare the Light. Venetian Ribbon or Bent Iron Work. Cycling and Athletics. Electrical Science,—-The Induction Coil. How to Make a Folding Bookshelf. Photographic Notes and Hints. Hobbies that Pay. Weekly Presentation Design. Prize Competitions, Correspondence, Etc. ta we
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HOBBIES. A Philatelic Causerie by Percy C. Bisuop, Joint Editor of the “‘Sramp Couiectors’ Fortyieutiy ;” Ea-Editor of “Tum Purareric JournaL” and ‘‘Puizatenic Review or Reviews;” Founding Member of the Lonpon Putareric Civ. HILATELY gains in popularity day by day. New Societies of stamp collectors are con- stantly being formed. The Nottingham and District Society is the latest. His Honour Judge Masterman, a painstaking and enthusiastic Philatelist, occupies the presi- dential chair; Mr. H. Harold Brown is the Hon. Secretary, and among the members are Messrs. Stanley Birkin, E. G. | Simpson, J. G. Spendlove, H. Fothergill, and T,B. Forman, The Society will be especially active in the study of the stamps of Great Britain, which, as [have already explained, are in great demand just now. The Philatelic Societies of this country, excluding mere exchange clubs, are nearly thirty in number. The most active are the London, Manchester, Birmingham, Plymouth, Leeds, and Oxford Societies ; but a number of younger organisa- tions are coming on most promisingly. City of London Philatelic Club, with head- A | Philatelic Society of a unique character is the | quarters at 121, Cheapside, London, the object | of this Society being to promote social as well | as Philatelic intercourse. A list of all the Stamp Societies and Clubs in | “ commemorative” the United Kingdom would take up an un- conscionable amount of space. Any reader of stamps. To this Mrs. Scott Stokes, a lady journalist who makes philately her hobby, retorts that the idea is altogether impracticable. “Tt is true (writes Mrs. Stokes) that the expense was covered in the case of the U.S. A. designs by the enormous demand on the part of stamp collectors themselves for the novelty. But even collectors are getting tired of having their pockets squeezed by every Government that | wants to fill its money-box or to amuse itself with pretty fancies, and the very dealers are standing out strongly against issues ‘made for collectors,’ foreseeing that the supply before | long would swamp the demand and spoil the market,” ——0: In addition to the rubbishy New South Wales “O.8.” stamps, postmarked to order, which I mentioned last week, the Society for the Suppression of Speculative Stamps warns us against the following :— Transyaau.—A Commemorative Stamp of the value of 1d., rose (oblong), fully described last week. Prrv.—A set of Commemorative Stamps, described last week. Amoy.—More Chinese Locals. it is pointed out that or ‘‘jubilee” issues are Furthermore, | contemplated in Belgium (in connection with Hobbies who is desirous of joining a Society in | his own town or district had better drop me a line and I shall be pleased to help him. | demn these At the moment of going to press news reaches | me of the formation of yet another Society, | this time at Warrington, with Mr. Herbert | Woods as Hon. Secretary. 10: It has been suggested time and again that the example set by ex-Postmaster General | Wanamaker, of the United States, in issuing aset of commemorative postage stamps bearing a series of historic pictures should be followed by this country. ‘“H.J.S.,”in a recent letter to the daily papers, repeated the suggestion, and suggested a number of tableaux, from the | | support a shield on which appears what is anding of Julius Cesar to the opening of the London School Board, as suitable for illustra- tion on a series of British commemorative J the Liege Fétes), in Greece (Olympian Games), in Hungary (Millennium stamps), and in Sweden; and though it is impossible to con- stamps as being absolutely “unnecessary,” yet collectors and dealers are advised to give them a wide berth. NEW ISSUES OF STAMPS. «*» Items for this department will be gratefully re- ceived from any Philatelic readers who happen to receive early information of new issues, or of im- pending changes in the postal arrangements of any country. BritisH Centrat Arrica.—I am now able to more minutely describe the newly issued stamps for this territory, briefly mentioned last week In the centre two negroes bear- ing in their hands instruments of industry probably the arms of Britain, though the design is too small to admit of this being very clearly
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HOBBIES. 75 determined by the naked eye. Over this design { stamp. That is an ingenious guess, but it is is a tree which bears some resemblance to the | far from correct. The perforations are calcu- great cedars of Mount Milanje, which Mr. | lated in this way. A perforation gauge was Johnston has done so much to save from | devised some years ago by Dr. Legrand, a destruction. In the lower part of the stamp | venerable and well-known Parisian collector. the value is inserted in figures in each corner, | This gauge, which is now adopted by the whole and on the centre of the lower part is a scroll | Philatelic world, calculates the perforation of a bearing the legend, “‘ Light in darkness.” machine-perforated stamp on the basis of the ane Sisseta number of holes or indentations that occur in : STAKCA the space of two centimetres. Herewith I am able to give my readers a gy 5 eeeccersesocsee here given shows the shape and design of the new Bul- garian unpaid letter stamp of the value of 5 stotinki. It is on pelure paper, and perforated ensure strict accuracy 11}. ] I should recommend Corza, now that she is again eStanke | them to order the § independent, or comparatively | pyrRMMEITG) | “Ideal” gauge which B& so, hankers after a set of ~~ | ig published at 6d. by postage stamps of her own. | Mr. William Brown, Accordingly a set of four | St. Thomas’ Square, labels have been issued in | Salisbury. But the the style of the annexed | rough design I publish illustration. The values | here is quite sufficient are 5, 10, 25, and 50 poon, | for the purposes of or poons, whatever they | illustration. If the may be. I look on this | reader will take some issue with much distrust, | stamp that is machine and should advise all my | perforated, and move it | rough idea of a per- foration gauge, but to readers to eschew such | up or down this gauge § stamps as these. | until he finds the Sram fur- | line of dots which nishesanew §= : my exactly dovetail into $e issue for | the perforation of the { which it is | stamps, the number § likewise im- i | placed against that line possible to of dots will then give say much. | him the perforation of It is an | the stamp. Thus it § “Officially will be found that an f Sealed” § | English’3d. or 1d. stamp stamp which § | of the current issue is the appearance of a luggage label. Fortunately there is only one of these to the set, and that GIA ETS 2 one is imperforate and printed in a deep rose | Fine Set of 12 Japan to every purchaser of our Special s td | “ NOVEMBER ” Packet, containing 94 Stamps. ALL DIFFERENT. on white paper. | Reunion (surcharged diagonally), Quebec Law Stamp (large and | striking), Jamaica, Canada Registered, Obock, Venezuela, Sweden | | has rather | “ perf. 14.” | | | Official, Egypt Service, Herzegovina, Mexico, Ichang, Tunis, Portuguese Colonial, Hong Kong, Peru, France (Chiffre taxe), H | NTS © B EG | N N E RS U.S. Env. (Columbian), Belgium (Chemins de Ter), Straits Settle- - | mene, Gece peat aya palections sent on approval. Liberal 7 a | iscount allowed. rand NEW Illustrated Catalogue (7rH PERFORATIONS, | EDISON) for Collectors, or Wholesale List for Dealers. FREE. Upon the perforation of a postage stamp very | Fighicn TITLEV'E Get alarg iporlons BATH much depends. A variation of a tenth part of a aes NY i centimetre in the ‘‘size” of the perforation often |—~—~__— means a great difference in the Philatelic value. | T 0 ST A There are various methodsof perforating postage stamps, but the most general is that which we call common or machine perforation. Holes are bored in the sheets of stamps by a machine composed of rows of sharp needle points. The ordinary penny postage stamps now in use in this country are a familiar example of ‘‘ machine perforation.”’ It is with this class of perforation that I wish first to deal. Take up a stamp dealer’s catalogue, or a work on the stamps of any country, and you will see stamps described as ‘‘ perf, 124,” “ perf. 14,” ‘ perf. i To pe on Approval. uninitiated this is very mysterious indeed. The | “perf.” of course means ‘ perforation,”—that is STAMP ALBUMS UP TO DATE. simple, but what do the figures indicate? Many Send for Illustrated Prospectus & Testimonials. schoolboys and very young collectors run away with the notion that they show the number of WHITE TELD KING & (0., BS sabia ae “‘jags”’ in the perforation of one side of the ESTABLISHED 1869. IPSWICH. MP COLLECTORS Illustrated Price List » GRATIS ON APPLICATION; © Monthly List of Philatelic Novelties 6d. per ann., post free. Selections of Stamps sent
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76 HOBBIES. re CHAP. IV.—_COMPRESSED GASES FOR LANTERN ILLUMINATION. Ox, E have dealt with the manu- GF, facture of oxygen and its storage in bulk in what are known as gas bags. These have to a very great extent been superseded by cylinders, in which the gas, either oxygen or hydrogen, is charged by a special com- pressing machine. It may be here mentioned that the man with the hobby may make his own oxygen gas, but he will find it very costly, and in fact quite impracticable to compress the gas into the cylinders which are now univers- ally used. A few words on the general principle of compressing gases will suffice, and as the Brui’s Oxygen Company are the largest manufacturers of compressed gases, and were the pioneers of the business, a reference to the ‘‘ Handbook on the Use of Compressed Oxygen,” by Mr. Kenneth §. Murray, the Company’s engineer, will be pardoned. Cylinders are made to contain varying and convenient quantities of gas at a pressure of 120 atmospheres; this is the standard of pressure at present employed. These cylinders are made of all lengths, the thickness varying with the diameter and type of cylinder, thus :— 4 ee seamless ype, ¥ 3 inch thick 5s ” fy ” 53 ,, lap- welded , 4 is 7 5, seamless ,, 35 The quality of metal varies but little, and ductility is practically ensured by annealing and by employing only a mild quality of steel. With regard to the much talked oxidation of the metal on the inner side of an oxygen cylinder, this is very slight, and before such action can take place Carbonic Acid must be present in the gas. In the Brui process no Carbonic Acid is made, and to this is due the fact that oxidation of the cylinders is almost nil. The question of safety of a cylinder in transit is often raised, and some very absurd statements have been made from time to time as to the effect that heat has upon the pressure- of gas inside the cylinder. Mr. Murray tells us that—‘‘ Oxygen is a gas subject to the law that pressure increases uniformly with the tempera- ture when the volume remains the same.” It is an easy matter, therefore, to calculate the actual increase or reduction of pressure for every measurable degree of temperature, The following represents the pressure at a few different temperatures :— 60° Fahrenheit 120:00 atmospheres 70°, 122-33 is 803= aa 124-64 4 0c 126-86 ie 100°, 129-26 - 1500, 140-85 ‘ 2120 155-21 Extremes in ‘temperature should be avoided, but from the above table it miay be reasonably con- cluded that no atmospheric or sun heat could increase the pressure of gas in a cylinder to such an extent as would render it dangerous for use, All cylinders, before being filled, are now annealed and tested, and afterwards specially stamped, and the particulars of the number, name, and address of owner, or user, is registered in a book so that every cylinder charged can be traced. The importance of these precautions are now fully realised, and the action of the Brui Company, in enforcing the testing of cylinders, has done much to reduce the very unnecessary alarm and suspicion of the public as to the dangers of ‘them gas bottles.” It is well for those who can afford it to buy their own cylinders, one for oxygen and the other for hydrogen ; this latter can often be dispensed with. In using the “blow-through” jet, which we shall presently describe, the house or common coal gas can be used instead of compressed hydrogen; but with the mixed jet, which gives by much the better illumination, the second or hydrogen gas is necessary. The want of pressure, and the irregularity of supply with house gas militating very much against a good light, and its use, if not exactly dangerons, is to say the least of it unsatisfactory and un- desirable. The size of cylinders must be a matter for each one to decide for himself, but the quantity used in the two kinds of jets may be calculated as follows:— Blow-through Jet, Oxygen 4 cub.ft.perhour Hydrogen 83 __s,, a ” ” ” » ” » Coalgas 43 ,, ” Mixed » Oxygen 43 BS Ph 53 » Hydrogen 94 O 5 5 » Coal gas 5 is ”
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HOBBIES. 77 From the foregoing it will be seen that if a 10-feet oxygen cylinder is used, the hydrogen cylinder should certainly contain 15 feet. Before leaving the cylinders we would call attention to the rules and restrictions laid down by the Railway Companies. Nearly all the Companies refuse to carry cylinders of com- pressed gases by passenger train, whether as personal luggage or otherwise. All cylinders have to be packed, and the Brui Company and other suppliers of compressed gases have de- signed most ingenious and effective means of properly packing and securing the cylinders for transit. In the London and Suburban district, covered by Messrs. Carter, Patterson, & Co., there is not much difficulty in having the cylinders delivered, but otherwise the transit must be by goods train, and in ordering this must be remembered, so that sufficient time is given in order to prevent disappointment. A Lantern Slide Exhibition without gas is a fear- ful fiasco. If the Slides happen not to turn up a ‘‘scratch collection” can generally be found, but sans le gaz the demonstrator may be forgiven if he exclaims in the refrain of Chevalier’s popular song,—‘‘ ’E dunno were ’e are.” In using the cylinders it is well to arrange that they should stand upright and side by side. By-the-bye, we should have mentioned that all oxygen cylinders are painted black, and hydrogen cylinders red. The screws of the former are normal or ordinary, but in the latter they are left-handed. This is done so that the fittings of the one cannot be used for the other. Some very capital stands are made to set the cylinders in, but the ‘‘ Hobbyist ” will soon dis- cover a means of fixing his cylinders upright. In practice we often lash one to each of the legs of the table on which the Lantern is rigged up. All cylinders are provided with a valve or tap; on receiving this it is of course closed. Until quite recently a key with a T was used for opening and closing this valve, but thanks, we think to Messrs. Butcher & Sons, a lever key has been brought out, which is much better in its action. With the T shaped key difficulty was often experienced in opening the valve, and it too often opened with a jerk. With the newer form of key the valve may be opened very gradually. This valve should never be closed dead, as it only tends to wear the faces of valve and plug. It will be readily understood that gas at the 120 atmospheres gives a great pressure, so that great care must be taken in turning the valve on and off. Let us just caution our readers on no account to use oil or grease, as no lubricant is needed. The valves are perfectly gas-tight when sent out. In shutting off after use see that the valve is closed. To test this fill the nozzle above the valve into which the regulator is screwed with a little soapy water; if there is the slightest leakage bubbles will rise on the surface. No strain should be put or the valve. When closing turn the key gently and the plug will “‘ go home.” THE REGULATOR AND FITTINGS, Before the cylinder can be used or gas supplied to the jet in the Lantern, first a winged sliding socket is screwed into the top of the cylinder valve, and into this is screwed the regulator. This has a cone shaped end which seats into the top of cylinder valve, and the winged socket holds it firmly in position. There are many forms of Regulators, but one which is in universal use is Beard’s. The object of the regulator is to reduce the pressure of the gas issuing from the cylinder to a pressure at which it can be controlled for the jet supply. By the use of this regulator the pressure of gas in the cylinder is maintained until it is emptied, but the gas supplied to the jet is lowered in pressure in order to facilitate its consumption. To make the cylinder arrange- ments complete, and where expense has not to be considered, a pressure gauge may be attached to each valve. These are known as Bourbon gauges, and have a pointer which marks on a dial the number of feet contained in the cylinder. This is, of course, very satis- factory, but the operator will soon be able to judge of the quantity used by the time that the Lantern has been in use. At all events, a liberal allowance upon the figures in the table we have given will be quite sufficient for ordinary workers. Next week we shall describe the use of the limelight in the Lantern. (To be continued.) RILEY BROS., 55 & 57, Godwin Street, BRADFORD, 16, BEEKMAN STREET, NEW YORK. LARGEST & Tontern Outfitters BEST IN THE WORLD. Ten Establishments. Hire List Free. Send for Catalogue, 6d. OperaTor’s Guipe, 240. Hires THE Fifty Slides ‘ ’ a LAWSON 3/- 50/= PHIL MAY’SILLUSTRATED WINTER ANNUAL Some fifty full-page characteristic drawings by Phil May, instinct with the spirit of true humour, and contributions by such well-known writers as John Davidson, Grant Allen, Walter Raymond, Richard Pryce, and Violet Hunt—the purchaser of a “ Winter Annual” must indeed be exacting if he will not acknowledge that in these he is receiving full value for his shilling. It may of course strike some people that it isas yet full soon to welcome the advent of a Christ- mas publication, but the proverb concerning the early bird has a very wide application, and the purchaser of Phil May’s Annual is at least certain to have no cause for regret that he did not wait for the appearance of a later comer.
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HOBBIES. > “SCROLLS CHAP. IV.-DESIGNS,SIMPLE AND DIFFICULTY, ITH Fretwork Patterns in % general, much confusion often exists as to what is simple and what is difficult, the common error being that open Designs with comparatively little cut- ting are classed among the former, and elaborate ones among the latter. Take two Fic. 9. Now it may be that Fig. 9 can be cut in a shorter time, but the work requires much greater care, and the slightest mistake will have a marring effect. Floral and Foliated Ornaments, how- ever intricate, are much more simple to cut than those of a Classic or Geometric Lorms. = Lor the obvious reason that a slip may be rectified without spoiling the Pattern. The Saw blade may happen to wander from the line in cutting a leaf such as Fig. 11, but with judgment and care the error can be remedied (see dotted lines) without materially altering the Design, and without losing any of its character. But with a straight line, or a circle, or with ornamental curves, no such liberty can be taken; the line of the Diagram must never be left, or the Article inevitably suffers. Fie. 12. As an example of what is really difficult in Fretwork, the following sketch (Fig. 12), which might serve as a piece of Overlay Ornament, is given. This little Design perhaps looks simple, but it cannot easily be cut to satisfaction. Spiral curves are quite as puzzling to cut as they are to draw, and what adds to the difficulty here is that there are two symmetrical sides to the Ornament, and both must Fig. 11, be sawn exactly alike if it is desired that the work should look well. A slip may be made on one side and effectively remedied; but how about the other? Is the slip to be repeated ? Or is the Diagram to be adhered to, and thus the two sides left un- equal ? Thechain, too, with its thin stem and circular drops will give considerable trouble, and demands much time and care. Other forms of difficult work can be found amongst Chippen- dale Frets, such as Fig. 13. This Diagram would entail not only accurate revision in drawing, but the most laborious care in cutting out. Every corner would have to be taken with extreme sharpness, as it is apparent that the smallest error would reveal itself. So when the reader hunts around for something simple and easy to saw, let him look
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HOBBIES. as much to the style of the Ornament as ‘to the intricacy of the Design. Severe Patterns are decidedly the most difficult to cut, and when they are merely com- posed of geometric forms, the result—so far as appearance is concerned—hardly repays the # labour. Still, a wholesale con- . demnation must not be passed on what is severe. Chippen- dale, Elizabethan, Dutch, and other Frets may be stiff and severe in general form, but many of them are singularly beautiful; and a _ simple Design, if it be in some genuine style, is often much more admired than intricate arrange- ments of unnatural leaves and flowers. A small Chippendale Bracket will be allowed a place in the drawing-room long after the elaborate goodness- knows-what Etagére has been dismissed to a lumber-room. HINTS. ; In cutting out any Pattern, Fie. 13. whether easy or difficult, a point which is often overlooked may perhaps be mentioned, namely, the direction the Saw should take. In sawing this small piece (Fig. 14) it is seen that the blade can travel either in the direction indicated by arrow A, or in that indicated by arrow B; in short, either to right or left. The matter is not so trivial as it may appear at first sight. True, there is no intention here to write enthusiastically in favour of particular direction, although a humble vote might be recorded in favour of arrow A, as in Fig. 14. the case of machine sawing, the wood is usually | held firmly with the right hand, and guided with the left. As this, however, may be regulated by the position of the light, the point is not worth arguing. What may be suggested is, that throughout the cutting of an article the Saw should always goin the same direction. This rule ought to be strictly kept where several pieces are being cut at once; as if the blade did not happen to be perfectly vertical, the fault would be noticeable on the lowest piece. | To illustrate this, Diagram as trans- bit of wood. Should the Saw blade be slightly off the right angle, but were it always guided in one direction, the lowest piece would turn out either as Fig. 16 or Fig. 17, Fie, 15. taking one | | THE ATTRACTION OF THE SEASON. Fig. 15 represents a. | ferred to the topmost | according to whether the Saw travelled in the way of our old friend arrow A, or in that of his rival, arrow B. In each case the leaf would be at fault, but still proportionate, and not by any means an utter failure. Te however, arrows A and B were patron- Fie, 16. ised alternately, the natural result would be a combination of Figs. 16 and 17. Consequently some such unpleasant effect as is seen in Fig. 18 may be avoided by following out the suggested rule. Of course, as neither Figs. 16 or Fia. 17. 17 can reasonably | be termed satisfac- tory, the vertical* accuracy of the Saw blade should be looked to. It should be under- stood that the | sketches which are | shewn from time to | time in these articles are not taken from jany Fretwork Patterns, but are merely given to illustrate and make clear the different matters treated. Thus figures 9, 10, 12, and 13 are not intended to be full size, but are reduced to about one-third, or one-fourth. | The other figures are drawn somewhat larger in proportion; in fact they may be regarded as full size, Fic. 18. (Lo be continued.) * NoTtE.—In speaking of the saw being vertical, what is actually meant is that the Tilting Table of the Fret | Machine should be horizontal. The common phrase is here adopted for convenience sake, and the term is applicable when the Hand Saw is referred to. THE LATEST DESIGN, TH E“GREAT WHEEL. ALL FRETWORK. NO FRAMING REQUIRED. The Wheel and Cars revolve. ; Price of complete Pattern, q| printed in Two Large Sheets with Full Instructions, ONE SHILLING. i, 1d. H. SKINNER & Co., (4 Dept.,) Dereham, Norfolk. GREAT WHEEL DESIGN, 1/-
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80 HOBBIES. of the most useful articles of furniture which can be made by any amateur, and at a cost which is hardly worth consideration, is a small Foldiag Bookshelf. The above sketch indicates the general idea of a simple one, and a few hints and suggestions will enable any lady or gentleman who possesses a hammer, saw, and a little common sense to make it. Firstly, as to woods, almost any material may be used, and the choice can safely be left to the worker. Of the commoner woods, Pine, Ash, Birch, and Elm will be found the most suitable, and of the better qualities, Oak, Mahogany, and Walnut might be used. For a small two-space Book Rack as shewn, procure five pieces of wood about 30 inches long, 6 inches wide, and 8 inch thick. It will save the average amateur a considerable amount of trouble if he buys the wood ready planed; but to any one who knows how to !4]\\ handle a plane, it will certainly be found cheaper to purchase the wood in plank form, Two boards for the Sides should be cut as indicated in Fig. 1. The Shelf spaces will be 9 inches and 74 inches respectively, and the other sizes are marked on the illustration. The shaped pieces at each end may easily be cut with a Keyhole Saw, or with an ordinary Fretsaw if a large blade is used: To those . who may not happen to have these tools at hand, and who ~ must therefore try something more simple, any of the methods shewn in Fig. 2 are suggested. Should it be desired to have the Rack standing on a mantelshelf or on any article of furniture, the lower ends of the sides might be made a few inches longer so that > 6 —> — Sy — Pe fh extra book space could thus be provided. In this case the end could be finished off square, or it might have a small semi-circular cut as in Fig. 3. The three Shelves must be care- fully cut to an equal size, or the article will not fit closely. If only & inch wood is being used the Shelves should not be over 22 or 24 inches in length. Each one should be cut at the ends as shewn in Fig. 4; the projecting portions may be 2 inches long, and about 34 inches wide. These pass through corresponding holes which must be cut in the uprights, and they are held in position by wedges (Fig. 5) which slip through the small holes in Fig. 4, and thus hold the entire article firmly. All this part of the work must be done with great care, as the more accuracy the greater strength. If the projecting notches of the Shelves "= fit too easily, the whole Book Rack will shake, and thus prove a very unsatis- factory piece of work, It will be seen that, by adopting this method of construction, the article may easily be taken to pieces when desired. At the same time, if carefully made, it will be perfectly strong. Brass Catches (as Fig. 6) should be fixed to the upper and lower Shelves in order to screw the Rack to the wall. Fie. 3. Fia. 5. The question of polishing or O staining must be left to the worker’s judgment. Ordinary O O woods may be stained or varnished, but Mahogany and Walnut appear to better advan- Fic. 6. tage when polished. With regard to the spacing of the Shelves, it may be of advantage to state that the common sizes of small bound books are—Foolscap 8vo., 62 inches; Post 8vo., 74 inches; Crown 8vo., 8+ inches; and Demy 8vo.,9 inches. In the spaces, 8 inch extra is usually allowed for ‘finger room.” Such an article as this could be elaborated to any degree. A scroll ornament might be cut on the Sides with a Fretsaw, or small panels might be carved or inlaid. Again, the Book Rack could be of a larger size, and have four or five Shelves instead of three. These variations and additions need not be discussed here; it is only necessary to point out the principle and general method, and the amateur who can lay claim to a little ingenuity will know how to carry out a scheme of improvements.
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HOBBIES. 8I No. 4. HANGING TWINE BOX, WITH OVERLAY ORNAMENT. This useful little article has been designed for the purpose of shewing the effect which can be obtained with Overlay work. The Twine Box when cut out is practically solid, the only piece of actual Fretwork being the small balus- trade at the top. The overlaid panels, how- ever, throw the whole into relief, and although individually they require some delicate cutting, when once glued in position they are free from danger. ‘0 Unlike many published Fretwork Designs | every attention has here been paid to the method of construction, so that even the least | using Inlay wood =; inch thick for the Overlay (Gea Experienced Fretworkers may | prefer to Inlay the panels, but ordinary | amateurs will find it less tedious to adopt the | Overlay plan. If a richly coloured wood is used for the Box, and White Chestnut for | the panel ornaments, the former should be sees before the Overlays are glued in position. Plain white wood shewing against a polished ground is always very effective. On the diagram sheet all the Overlay borders and panel ornaments are shewn in their actual position. Owing to want of space on the sheet it has been necessary to do this, and the worker | must not get confused and imagine that he has to cut these parts out of the solid box. The borders and ornaments must be traced separately on to the thin Overlay wood, and when cut out are glued firmly to the panels in the position indicated on the Pattern. On the Box itself the only parts of real Fret-cutting are the balustradings, the twine hole, and the few open- ings into which the fixing notches are inserted. To glue on the Overlays is not a difficult task, but one which requires care and neat handling. They must all be gently but thoroughly sandpapered, and their correct | positions should be carefully marked before the glue is applied. Unless this advice be followed, something will turn out wrong; and, as may readily be imagined, any inaccuracy has an extremely unpleasant effect. The glue should be applied hot, and with a very fine brush. Care must be taken not to let the edges get | smeared, especially if the article is to be left | unpolished. Each Overlay when fixed on should be placed under a heavy weight until dry, | It will be noticed that a hole is made in the | bottom of the Box for the twine to pass | through ; holes are also provided in the back | for screw nails, by which means the article | may be fixed to some wall. | [Additional copies of this design may be had, | price 3d. each, on application to the Editor of | Hobbies, Bouverie House, Salisbury Square, | London, H.C. The Presentation Supplements will be given during the current week of publication only, and will not be supplied with back numbers of Hobbies.] ' | “Carp ”, InxstTanp. experienced amateur can hardly fail to put the | article together strongly. Everything is clear. | When the six main pieces comprising the Box are prepared, the two sides are first inserted | into the back and screwed tightly ; the bottom slides into position by a half-cut-through joint, and is also fixed to the back by means of a notch and hole; the front slips on in a similar way, and is firmly attached to the bottom ; lastly the top is arranged to slide back and forward freely, so that the twine (or whatever | is kept in the Box) may easily be got at. If all the fitting joints are cut accurately, neither screws nor glue will be required for any part except in fixing the sides to the back, as the simple sliding arrangement ensures everything being held in position. As all the wood required is narrow, almost any plain or fancy varieties might be selected, | and the matter may safely be left to the worker. A thickness of ,; inch is suggested, | The above sketch is a miniature of the full- sized Pattern for Fretwork Inkstand, which | will be given away with each copy of next week’s issue of Hobbies.
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HOBBIES. CHAP. IV. _FPRAMING. NLESS the reader rejoices | in the good fortune of | having an amateur | smithy set up in his workshop, it is not recommended that he should attempt the con- | heavy | If he can make | But taking into con- | struction of Frames. them, good and well. sideration three important points—time, labour, and expense—a ready-made Frame is prefer- able. To bend thick Iron, not only strong heat is required, but also a heavy hammer, and a large Anvil to work upon. When Bent Iron Work Patterns are published, either in sheet or book form, quotations are sometimes given for the prices of Frames, Hooks, etc.; and as the Iron is forged to the exact size, and is seldom over-expensive, much trouble will be saved by purchasing the frame- work along with the Design. HOOKS AND BRACKETS. If the worker arranges his own Patterns, he will find that most firms who deal in Bent Iron Materials have stock Hooks and Brackets in various sizes. Thus the Design may be worked in to suit the size of article purchased. It is usually cheaper to buy Frames in this way than to have them made by a local smith. They are generally Jighter, and of better workmanship | Local smiths have a knack of using | Iron about three times as heavy as it need be; and finish. if a small Wall Hook is ordered, they send some- thing like a gibbet upon which highway robbers could almost be strung up. Fic. 26. Bracket Frames can be purchased in two forms—light, as Fig, 26, and strong, as Fig. 27. Hach style may be had with or without the hook. Of course any size and shape can be made to order, but specially made goods must necessarily be a little more expensive. If a comparatively light Hook be wanted, the worker could form one himself by using two or three strips of Iron, and bending them into shape as seen in Fig. 28. Fic. 27. The strips | | | t | come | believe it is Iron, but simply | to let it harmonise with the | choice piece of wood might be could either be riveted together, or clamped with Collar Bands. If a cross bar were wanted, it could easily be made in such a way as indicated in Fig. 29. WALL PLATES. i With Hooks ; and Brackets Fia. a Wall Plateis 28. necessary. The article looks unfinished if the Iron is screwed direct to the wall, and some ornamental I back (as Fig. 30) is required to complete it. Should the Bracket have to support a heavy weight, the Wall Plate must be of Sheet Metal, but for all ordinary purposes, wood is quite sufficient. A stout, hard wood, such as Ash or Oak, should be used, and a thick- ness cf about three-sixteenths of an inch is recommended. Any Pattern can be cut with an ordinary Hand Fretsaw. If a Treadle Machine be used, it is suggested to tilt the table heavily to one side, so that the outline of the Wall Plate may be bevelled. This greatly adds to the appearance, and is much more repre:enutative of Iron. If the reader is not a Fretworker, a plain back such as Fig. 31 or 32 may be cut, and is often found to be quite as effective as an ornamental one. The wood should receive a coat or two of Black Paint, and thus it will match the Iron. This can hardly be regarded as * deception,” and should not under the sweeping denunciations of our higher Art critics. The wood is blackened, not to make people Fia. 30. and A weight, Ornament. general style, colour of the polished or varnished, if Fic.31. Fie.32. | desired. With very large Wall Plates, or with Stands for Newspaper Racks, etc., lion (or “‘ imitation” Iron) would look extremely heavy, and should
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HOBBIES. 83 be avoided. In such cases nothing is better than a plain or moulded Mahogany board, with the surface well polished. The worker need not bind himself to Mahogany if he prefers some other wood; polished Oak goes well with Tron, and many other varieties can safely be used. When Sheet Metal Wall Plates have to be made, it is better to place the work at once in the hands of some Tin or Iron Smith. If they are very ornamental it is customary to plant them on a plain or polished wood back, which causes them to stand out to more imposing advantage. VARIOUS FRAMES. Square, Circular, and Oval Frames are not so often in demand, and can not always be bought ready-made in various sizes from dealers. However, a smith will not take long in turning out exactly what is wanted. Here let it be said that when the reader is advised to employ the services of a regular tradesman, there is no suggestion that he him- self is incapable of making a small Wrought Iron Frame. It is no question of ability which is concerned; it is simply the want of proper tools and appliances which prevents the ordinary amateur from doing this work. In the first place, he has not got a suitable piece of thick Iron, and if he had there are no means of heating it properly; again, his Anvil is too small, his Hammer is too light, and his Vice far too weak for such stout material; then he has not sufficiently large Rivets, he has no brazing Solder, and his Files are all much too delicate to have any effect on the heavy Iron bar. Altogether it is easier for him to order the exact size and weight he wants; and after all the actual Bent Iron Work is only begun when the Frame has been secured. As with Brackets and Hooks, light square or circular Frames could be made by using several strips of the Ribbon Iron. For small Door Grills, or Panels where no particular stress is laid upon the outer Frame, this plan can be adopted. It looks well, and dispenses with the necessity of securing outside assistance, which no doubt is a certain matter for satisfaction. If the rim has to bear much of astrain however, the Strip Iron would bend, and solid material must then be used. Descriptions of Iron framing for Gongs, Hall Lanterns, Gas Pendants and Brackets, and other elaborate articles are beyond the range of this chapter. All these have to be specially made, and in the meantime it is only necessary to deal with the simple binding Frames,* which are easily procurable. Later on a few words may be said about the more advanced work. (To be continued). BENT IRON WORK. Send a 1d. stamp for particulars of our New Tool, “THE IONICAL,” pronounced by all who have used it to be invaluable for producing accurate spiral curves. --& BAMBOO WORK, 3<- The Popular Hobby. Price Lists and Designs sent on receipt of stamp for postage. THE AMATEUR’S MARKET, BRITANNIA BUILDINGS, ie = [= DS . Our Advertising Coupon Aceheme. 62 What a Copy of “HOBBIES” is Worth! —0— As announced in detail last week we have now completed arrangements which will enable us to present with every copy of Hobbies what, to all intents and purposes, amounts to a Cash Bonus of Threepence. In future, every copy of our Weekly Presentation Supplement will contain a Coupon which, by special arrangement with our Advertisers, will, under the conditions to be detailed, be accepted by the Firms whose names are printed on the back of the Supplement as an equivalent of Threepence in Cash. Each Coupon will be numbered and dated, and will remain good for three months. The Coupons will be accepted in payment not only for any articles specifically mentioned in the advertise- ments in our pages, but for any goods sold by the Firms who haye agreed to take them. The one consideration of any importance is that not more than five per cent. of the amount of any one order shall be paid in Coupons. For example, if it be desired to purchase goods to the value of 5/-, it would be sufficient to send a postal order for 4/9 and one Coupon; if the bill came to 10/, two Coupons and a postal order for 9/6 would be required ; and if the amount were 20/, a postal order for 19/- and four Coupons would need to be sent. Should less than five shillings worth of goods be required, the sender of a Coupon will be entitled to a discount of one halfpenny for every shilling. It should be clearly understood that when, for instance, goods to the value of 20/- are ordered, it is not necessary for the purchaser to buy four numbers of the current week’s issue of Hobbies. All back Coupons should be preserved. Each is available for three months, and may be used at any time during that period. Further details of the scheme, with a list of Firms who have agreed to accept Coupons, will be found on the back of the Weekly Presentation Supplement. A Table shewing the system of discount from One Shilling to a Pound is also given. We are confident that this scheme will prove a genuine benefit to all who are interested in or connected with Hobbies. To the Proprietors it means a larger circulation, and consequently a proportionate reduction in the cost of produeing the paper. To Advertisers, in the same way, it proves a benefit, as their weekly announcements are placed before a greater number of prospective purchasers, who will readily be induced to take advantage of a discount of five per cent. Lastly, it means an actual sum of Threepence in the hands of every reader, and when it is taken into account that each week the penny copy of Hobbies contains a Supplement which in no case will be under threepence in market value, it will be seen that the real worth of a single number of Hobbies is SEVENPENCE, and that every reader thus secures a genuine return of 600 per cent. for his outlay.
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HOBBIES. CHAP. Bazaars are now so popular, and are so often organised on an extensive and costly scale, that Stall decorations of a distinctly characteristic style should be more widely encouraged. Elaborate and artistic drapery, and rich floral decorations are very effective, but it is now difficult to secure much originality with these materials alone, and without novelty any eee will have a tendency to fall somewhat at. When a Stall is to be decorated in a thoroughly unique and striking fashion, and when the particular style has been chosen, the first consideration is the method of framework. In almost every case the skeleton frame as sug- gested in last chapter will be sufficient for the preliminary structure. Every Stall, no matter how eccentric its decoration, must fulfil certain requirements. It is erected primarily for use, and utility should in no case be sacrificed for ornament. There need -be little diffi- culty here, however, as hardly any article adapts itself more readily to decorative purposes than a Bazaar Stall. Unless some- thing gigan- tic and alto- gether un- common is wanted, our old method of frame- work may be relied on. When once up, any extra wood - work IV—FANCY STALLS. joiner may often be necessary for this part of the work, and, indeed, it is better to have his services, as there will be less chance of the whole Stall falling about one’s ears at some critical moment. The writer has witnessed many amusing accidents of this sort, and frequently had the honour of rescuing a fair Stallholder from the shattered debris. Fig. 1 represents a Moresque Stall. At the first glance it may appear rather elaborate, but detail is a feature of this style, and the amount of work required is more apparent than real. The writer can give his personal assurance that any difficulties in the way are comparatively small, as on several occasions he has put up Stalls similar to this. The whole structure merely consists of a delicate wood framing on which is stretched canvas or brown paper. In this case canvas is preferable, as it can be more easily painted, and may be used at a dozen other Bazaars. Some care- ful planning is required when the Stall is being framed, but anyone with half an eye for Architec- ture should \ be able to Sana strike a good proportion, and to direct the joiner in his work. The sizes once settled, the framing will be easy, All the extra wood work should be light, as there is no RMR POOF a eee is easily fixed on. The assist- ance of a practical Fie. 1. Moresque Stall. strain upon Ditgete a) hie arched front projects
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HOBBIES. 85 about ten inches; the side towers stand out slightly more, and can be either hexagonal or octagonal in shape. ‘These towers can be simply made with light corner uprights, and a few cross bars to bind these together. Round this the canvas may be tacked. The dome framework may either be of wood, or of stout wire; both methods are adopted, but canvas is always more easily fixed to a wood frame. Care must be taken to secure a pleasantly curved line for the domes, and also to see that they are placed in a perpendicular attitude, and not leaning to one side. All the detail and elaboration which is shewn in the sketch is secured by means of the paint brush. The Stall front is merely a twelve foot stretch of canvas, with mouldings and panels roughly indicated on it with distemper colour. The archway is treated similarily; in fact, the Chinese and Japanese styles are much patro- nised, especially the latter, and are easily arranged. A Japanese Stall gives very little trouble, as so many characteristic ornaments can be purchased for decorating it. All Stalls should have a signboard on which may be printed the distinctive title, and also the Stall holder’s name. Chinese lanterns should never be used for illuminating purposes. They may be hung up for mere ornament, but should not be lit, as they are always a sourceof great danger, and frequently cause accidents. When it is remem- bered that Stalls are usually composed of most inflammable material, great care should be taken to prevent any chance of fire. Fig. 2 represents the intertor of a Bazaar which the writer decorated a few years ago. Fig, 2. whole effect is gained in this manner. It must be admitted that a little knowledge of scene painting is almost necessary in order to secure success, aS an amateur who simply executes water colour sketches can hardly judge of what is required for large distemper work, With Moresque decoration brilliancy in colour is quite legitimate. Vivid reds and bright yellows are wanted, and if carefully blended will carry out the spirit of the style admirably. Indeed, for an effective and popular Stall, Moorish ornament can hardly be equalled; it has always a gay, attractive appearance, and if the Stall holders be arrayed in some fancy and characteristic costume, they should be able to assist the Bazaar finances. Turkish is a style very similar to Moresque, and Indian and Kgyptian, although different in character, are well suited for this class of Stall. Old English Bazaar. The style is Old English, and the whole work was carried out in the manner just described. Six Stalls are shewn with an extra one at the entrance end for refreshments. There is not. space to give a detailed description of the Bazaar, but the reader will gather a rough idea. of the general scheme from the accompanying sketch. In dealing with all these elaborate Stalls, it is. impossible here to do more than generalise. When such decoration is seriously taken up, the: style should be carefully studied from trust- worthy pictures or photographs, as it is only in this way that a true representation can be secured. Technical accuracy in every small detail may not be absolutely necessary, but it is essential to have all the outstanding and characteristic features in harmony with the style and period which are being depicted. (Lo be continued).
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86 HOBBIES. HOTO D+. fore GRAPHY aleuré NOTES OF THE WEEK. OME of our readers may have seen the Binocular Camera, which in form is exactly like a field glass ; in action the lens is pointed to the object, which may be seen on the ground glass on focussing. The negatives taken in the Binocular are about 14 inches square, and so admirable is the definition of the lens that enlargements can be made almost indefinitely,—certainly up to half or even whole plate size. This type of Camera has been still further improved, and is so constructed as to take Panoramic views. The suggestion, we believe, originated with a French electrician, and has been perfected by M. Car- pentier, of Paris. Some years ago Mr. Louis Meldon, an ac- complished Amateur Photographer of Dublin, succeeded in taking Photographs of a diver, catching him midway between a diving board and the sea. The plates, upon which these Photographs were taken, received an exposure of soo Of asecond. In a recent number of a con- temporary examples of rapid Photography are reproduced, the subject also being divers. For these an exposure of s4, and z)45 of a second were given by the operator, Mr. B. O. Cartwright. The definition, judging from the reproductions, is not nearly as good as the earlier and slower work of Mr. Meldon. The following is the advice of an American writer upon Photography, and although, like much we hear from the other side, it is rather tall, still in the main, it may well be laid to heart :— ‘Be independent, study the work of the best Photographic Artists, and then use your own brains. Work with some high aim. Expose, if you must, a thousand plates, and if you succeed in obtaining what you want with one, destroy the other nine hundred and ninety nine. They are no use, so it is nota waste. After a time you will learn to so control your Camera as to be able to obtain the results you desire without any considerable waste. Take time and think before you act. The greatest fault displayed by the majority of Photographers is in reckless exposure. They snap off the shutter anywhere and anyhow, relying on chance for theresult. A little thought and consideration would soon convince them of their foolishness, and so save all the trouble of developing to find out what their own senses would have told them,” It has been suggested by the management of the Royal Aquarium that, if they receive the support of the Photographic trade, manufacturers, dealers, and others, a Photographic Exhibition will be held in the Aquarium during the months of April and May next. In connection with the Stanley Show, which opens on the 22nd inst., we notice that there will be a Photographic Section under the manage- ment of Mr. Walter D. Welford. In the Picture Division, three gold, seven silver, and seven bronze medals are to be given, and in a special class ‘for amateurs who have not previously gained a medal or prize at an open Photographic exhibition,” the first prize will be a Hand Camera; second prize, Silver Medal; third prize, Bronze Medal. . Three prints are to be sent in for this Class. The Exhibition will be held, as usual, at the Agricultural Hall, Islington, and the judges are to be Messrs. Bernard Alfieri, A. Horsley Hinton, and Rey. F. C. Lambert. A new Platino-Malt Bromide Printing Paper has just been put upon the market by Messrs. Lumiere, a French house. This paper yields good and soft blacks of admirable gradation. It is perhaps a little slower than’some others on the market, in our opinion a possible advantage. It may be used for either contact printing or enlargements. Amidol as a developer is recom- mended, and the following is the makers’ formula :— Contract PRINTING. Water 26 ae - 10 ozs. Sodium Sulphite .. . 100 gr. Amidol ot So 30 ee ORe Ds Bromide of Potassium (10 per cent. sol.) ao a me eeeOnss ENLARGEMENTS. Water 59 Sc 10 ozs. Sodium Sulphite .. 50 grs. Amidol 20 58 .. 26 grs. Bromide of Potassium (2:per cent. sol.) are do 50 minims. The time of exposure must be sufficient to ensure development in from 20 to 30 seconds. When the desired tone is obtained the prints must be washed in several waters and fixed in a bath made up of Water 10 ozs. (or 1000 parts), Hypo 200 parts, Bisulphite of Soda 10 parts, and Alum 2 parts. The prints may be immersed in this bath for from five to ten minutes. Enlarging is a delightful occupation for winter evenings, and contact printing can also be effected by artificial light ; in fact by far the best results are so obtained. Given a good negative, 3 plate, with plenty of detail, an enlargement
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HOBBIES. can be obtained up to whole plate that will, | if care is taken, have every appearance of a | direct print, and will deceive even experts. The early bromide papers gave hard black and white pictures, but the later brands have been greatly | improved, and many very beautiful Photographs are produced, equal both in tone, gradation and softness, to prints by the much more costly platinotype process. In due course we shall haye a few articles upon Enlarging, and give instruc- tions as to apparatus required. This can be made very inexpensive at home by any ‘“‘ hobbyist.” ” In the “Smasurn-Sowa,” the Photographic Journal of Japan, we note the publication of an “English and Japanese Dictionary of Photo- graphy,” and it is interesting to note that, although our own chemical nomenclature often consist of words of many letters, *‘ pyrogallic acid”’ is to be preferred to the Japanese equiva- lent, i.e. SHYO-SEI-BOTSU-SHIOKU-SAN, and the English abbreviation “pyro” to the Borsv- | SHIOKU-SAN, which is the equivalent in Japanese. Still one can but admire the rapidity with which Japan has adopted the ‘‘manners and customs of the West” even in Photography. Much of | the rapid advance made in Photography is due to the exertions and interest taken in the art-science by Professor W. N. Burton, a young Scotchman, a sanitary engineer, whois well known as a writer upon Photography, and an expert. | About eight years ago he left England to take the chair at the Tokio University as Professor of Sanitary Engineering, and from the day he set foot on the ‘Land of the Rising Sun” to the present, he has never ceased to be interested in advancing Photography. He was founder, and has been President of the Photographic | Society of Japan, which is a most thriving concern, having a larger membership than the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain. Japanese Photographs are yery beautiful, and are the reflex of the high cutture and art-love of the Jap. For some years past Photography and other | Photographic journals have exchanged sets of Lantern Slides with Colonial and American societies. There is, however, little or none of this inter-change of courtesies between the | Photographic societies on the continent and the | home journals, clubs, and associations. There are many firms who let out Lantern | Slides on hire. Perhaps no firm in Great Britain do more in this direction than Messrs. Riley | Bros., of Bradford. Their system is a perfect one, and is the outcome of many years’ ex- perience. In the admirable Catalogue of 320 pages which they issue will be found most concise particulars. Acting upon these the hirer will receive the slides with the utmost promptness. We hope some of our readers will take up Stereography. Next to the Lantern the Stereo- | scope gives most pleasure, and certainly the | best rendering of a Photograph. We have witnessed the astonishment of men in the prime of life, who for the first time looked at a Photo- graph through a Stereoscope. It will give us leasure to advise upon how best to take a negative in order to print from them Stereo- scopically. It is our intention that all Competitions which will be announced from time to time in this column shall be decided by the skill or ingenuity of the Competitors, and not be in any way dependent on chance, Prizes will be given for Articles of Fretwork, Carving, etc., Designs, Sketches, Photographs, Hssays, and numerous other subjects which will be stated in due time. The Prizes offered will take the form of Cash, Fretwork Machines and Outfits, Cameras, and other articles, FRETWORK. We hope later on to offer a valuable Prize for the best Fretwork Model made from the St. Paul’s Cathedral Design which we are presenting to annual subscribers, and which was fully described in No. 1, Meanwhile we offer Three Prizes for the best Midget Photograph Frames made from the first Presentation Design :— First Prize, A Treadle Fretwork Machine, with Nickel Plated Tilting ‘able, Dust Blower, and Emery Wheel. Second Prize, A Finely Nickel Plated and Polished 14-inch Hand Fretsaw Fiame. Third Prize, One Gross of the best Fretwork Saw Blades. The choice of wood, method of cutting, and all matters relating to the actual work are left entirely to Competitors. The Frames, for example, may either be polished or left plain. All Frames should be packed securely, in a card- board box if possible, and must have the name and address of Competitor clearly written on a label which must be securely attached to the Article itself, Frames sent in for Competition will be returned, if desired; for this purpose a fully addressed and stamped label must be enclosed. In no case can Articles be returned unless sufficient stamps are sent to cover postage. Parcels should be marked “ Frame,” and must be received at our office not later than November 23rd. PHOTOGRAPHY, We will give every month a prize of Ten Shillings for the best Photograph, not to exceed 74-in. by 5-in., and Five Shillings for the second best. The choice of subject is left entirely to the Competitor. Photographs cannot be re- turned, and we reserve the right to reproduce any of them in Hobbies, if thought desirable. Photographs for Competition will be received up to the last day of each month, and those for the first Competition must be sent to our office not later than November 30th, marked “ Photo.” LANTERN SLIDES. For the best Pen and Ink Sketch of a set of three original humorous Magic Lantern Slides we will give Ten Shillings, Five Shillings being awarded to the second best. The subjects are left entirely to Competitors. Sketches should be full size, and should be drawn in Pen and Ink only. The Prize Sketches, if of sufticient merit, will be reproduced in Hobbies. Mark “ Slides,” and send in by December 7th. BAZAARS. Two Prizes of Ten Shillings and Five Shillings are offered for the best suggestions for a Bazaar SideShow. In deciding this Competition the novelty and practical character of the suggestions will be chiefly taken into account. Paragraphs must not exceed 200 words in length, and must reach us by November 16th. The Envelope should be marked ‘ Bazaar.” NOTICE TO COMPETITORS, All Articles, Sketches, etc., for Competition should be addressed to the Editor of Hobbies, Bouverie House, Salisbury Square, London, E.C. The name and full address of Competitor must in every case be sent. _ Nore:—No correspondence can be entered into with Competitors, and all awards made will be final.
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HOBBIES. Wl Vig WA il arf iM NOTES ON SPORT, Tt is true that Sturgess did not beat the world’s record quite, neither did he quite touch the time made by Hibberd, but he was within 19 secs. of the former and accomplished as much all but some 30 or 40 yards as Hibberd. The report of Sturgess’ style, however, is so good that we are bound to class his performance as at least equal to the best. ‘Hibberd,” says a well known and thoroughly competent critic, ‘could not be compared as regards style and fairness with Sturgess.” Another writer proclaims the feat as the “ finest exhibition of natural walking’’ he had ever seen in a 30 years’ experience. Bradley, the champion English sprinter, and one of the team of the London Athletic Club ‘ which recently suffered such a signal defeat in New York, has returned to England. He says he does not like the Americans or the American ways at all. He considers the New York Press, in commenting on the match, did its utmost to create bad feeling where none originally existed. Mr. Bradley considers the Americans are a long way from perfect in their management of sports. On one occasion in a 50 yards race the starter made a mull of the pistol firing five times before he succeeded in effecting what he considered a satisfactory start. Even then it was anything but satisfactory to Mr. Bradley, who was left on his mark, but was then only defeated by a few inches. Reverting to the circumstance Mr. Bradley more than hints that the American runner, his opponent, was ‘intended to win.” The Americans are tremendously proud of Wefers, their champion sprinter, who beat Bradley by 6 inches in the international games. Wefers has recently covered 300 yards in 314 seconds, which is world’s amateur record. It beats the time of the ‘Flying Yankee,” L. EH. Myers, by “3%,” of a second, and the English record by “ =3,”’ of a second. England has one consolation from the fact that Harry Hutchens, the Putney Professional, holds the world’s record of 30 seconds for the distance. This is considered the most marvel- lous short distance running performance ever accomplished, and with it we may safely defy the Yankees probably for a long time to come. It means that Hutchens could have given Wefers something like 11 yards start and a HE best critics of walking are unanimous in praise of Sturgess’ great walking feat. good beating. Wefers is, of course, an amateur, and Hutchens a professional, but the variation in speed is so marked as to be well worthy of remark, despite the difference ‘in status between the men. Some splendid turnouts are reported for the preliminary cross country runs. In an inter- club spin at Leeds 60 men took part. The Polytechnic (London) Harriers had a muster of 50 recently, while plenty of other clubs in all parts of the country boast 20, 30, and 40 members in active work. There is no prettier sight in athletics than to witness the turnout of a good strong cross country club, or to meet the men in “full cry” when well set and going all together. An ordinary run often makes a prettier sight than a race, as in the latter there is frequently more scrambling and jostling and less style than when the spin is a quiet or practice one. Stocks has ridden over 29 miles in the hour, which is wonderful going. The performance is the finest path ride of the year, and is entitled to a great deal of respect. Stocks rode a machine to which was attached the new “lever” chain, but we do not consider this fact a particularily significant one, although the promoters of the lever chain naturally make much of it. Stocks’ time is only slightly superior to previous attempts of his when conditions were not sofavourable. The “lever” chain claims a speed advantage of something like 25 per cent., but in spite of numerous trials nothing so far has been accomplished with it which has not since been beaten by the ordinary plain chain, with the exception of this ride by Stocks. Stocks’ time is simply grand, but then Stocks is admittedly the best man we have for such a ride as this, and this performance after all is but a shade better than the previous best. If the lever chain cannot show at least a twenty per cent. advantage, it is a fallacy. Five minutes conversation with an experienced engineer fully confirmed our previously formed idea that there was nothing whatever in it. The list of applications for membership in the Cyclist Touring Club is a sign of the times. The October number of the Club Gazette contains the names of more than a score of titled persons. Lord this, Lady that, Viscount so-and-so, and the Hon. something else, make between them quite a formidable body.
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HOBBIES. 89 s*, The charges for advertisements (prepaid) in this page will be sixpence for every twelve words of less, name and address inclusive, and one halfpenny for every additional word. Single letters, initials and figures are each counted as a word; but undivided numbers (as 152), and prices (as 10s. 6d.) count as only one word each. In every case the name and address of the advertiser must be given for publication, and we cannot at present undertake to supply a private name or number and receive replies to advertisements at our office. All advertisements must be accompanied by remittances, otherwise they cannot be inserted. When- ever possible, payment should be made in Postal Orders, and not stamps. Letters should be marked “ Adyt.,” and must be addressed to the Publisher, Hobbies, Bouverie House, Salisbury Square, London, E.C. Norn.—Trade Advertisements can only be inserted in this page at the rate of one shilling per line. A Bargain.—A Splendid Bullfinch, House Moultered Powerful pair Jockey Club Glasses, for field or opera: and very tame, price 5/-; also a good Canary, 6/- price, 10/- F. J. Rowe, 11, Alkerden Road, Chiswick, W. George, 67, Hood Street, Northampton. Middlesex. . French Books. My monthly catalogue of French Several Fretsaws and Lathes, second hand, to literature, post free on application. Hector, book- be sold cheap. Send for Monthly Register con- seller, Birmingham. taining details of Engineers’ Tools, etc. Britannia : 7 Co., Colchester, and 100, Houndsditch, London, Fretwoods.t-inch Canary Wood, 31d.; Walnut, 4 2 Pipa 4 Mahogany, “Oak, Cedar, 44d. per toot. 'T. Carter, State your precise requirements. Lichfield. ipa Sewing Machines.—Lockstitch Sewing Machine, - : ° rfect condition, 14/-, bargain. Geo. Frampton, Fretwork, Carving. Lists 48-56 free. Henry Zilles. DEE S “s 26, Wilson Street, Finsbury, London. : New Inn, abe pelo . nc Stamps. Wanted, collections or loose collector's bia healag 2) peut eat Danitoo eae duplicates sent approval. Collector, 7, Charleville pound, splendid Fretwood from 2d. per square foot. Circus, Sydenham. Lund, 70, Manningham Lane, Bradford. Stamps.—Saint Christopher, obsolete, rare; Saint Important to Librarians, Clubs and Institutes, 460 | Helena, Saint Thomas, Hawaii, Victoria, scarce : official; Pahang, Congo, Paraguay, Nowanugger, wolmnes Opes antes ae bs jel at maront Newfoundland, Johore, Haiti, Cashmere; 43 excellent of 50. Odfers. No dealers. W., Castle Library, genuine varieties, 1/1. Smith, Arthur Road, King- Reigate, Surrey. ston, Surrey. olor Steel Files and Tools.—Amateurs supplied with Mail Carts, Baby Carriages, &c., superior. Presland small lots at lowest prices; inquiries invited; and Sons, Invalid Carriage Factory, 495, Hackney stamped envelope for prices, &c. Gillam, Milton Road, London. Lists free. Street, Sheffield. Newspapers.—Punch for sale, a complete set, 1841 to | Turning.—Capital Lathe, nearly new, complete, with 1894, bound in half morocco, cloth back, just 40 tools and chucks. Dingle Lodge, Reigate. finished by binders, £20 cash; also a set from 1860 to “ 1894, bound in same style, £10 10s. Can be seen any | Wanted, 49th Annual Report of the Registrar time. §.,6, Harpur Street, W.C. eenerel Cs): State price. Tebb, Boscombe-hill, ournemouth. Picture, size, 9 ft. by 7 ft.; excellent copy of Raphael, * ‘ A P The Holy erie ery good arias us ven good 3000 Library Books to be disposed off, all in fairly frame, 45 guineas, or offer. Anson, Westb good condition. 2-Vol. Novels, 1/3.; 3 Vols. for 1/6; Basses: Se ge a paar ed ae 6 Vols. for 2/6; 12 Vols. for 4/6, Carriage paid. Poultry and Ducks.—All the useful and _ fancy Bailey’s Library, Streatham Place, 8.W. varieties of Poultry and Ducks for stock and 8 Volumes Illustrated London News, from 1864, 30/-, exhibition purposes supplied by R. B. Rose, the or exchange. Booth, 32, Union Street, Burton-on- Aviaries, Sutton, Surrey. Trent. TO ADVERTISERS. “HOBBIES.” THRMS FOR ADVERTISHMENTS. —- GS ss ia: : z Per Inch cas es es 010 6 Germs of Saurbscription One-Highth Page oo es One-Quarter Page ... oe 2 a2) gs. d. Half-Page ade aa Ses 315 0 Three Months (including postage) ... ... 1 8 Page ... oe + se gO oe Six Months Do. Soetnsayig DiscouNT ON A SERIES OF INSERTIONS. Twelve Months Do. + «+ 6 6] All Communications to be addressed to the Sole Advertisement Agents, All letters relating to subscriptions or back numbers JON CEI ON! & CO., should be addressed to the Publisher of Hobbies, Bouverie House, Salisbury Square, Bouyerie House, Salisbury Square, London, E.C. London, E.C.
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THE INDUCTION COIL. WOW YO MAKER AND Use Le. CEIAP a tle w® ITHERTO only what is termed Statical Electricity has been considered, but it will now be necessary to enter upon another and vastly more important branch of the Science, dealing with the Electric Current. To produce a current it is necessary to have some piece of Electrical apparatus which can continuously maintain a disturbance of the Electric fluid much in the same manner as a water pump is capable of causing a continuous flow of water. Briefly, then, this is accomplished by the Electric Battery and various machines, notably the Dynamo ; it will, however, be sufficient to discuss the former only. Referring to Fig. 6, Z and C are plates of Zinc and Carbon partly immersed in a dilute solation of Sulphuric Acid and water, If the Zinc plate is composed of chemi- cally pure Zinc the acidulated water will at present have no action upon it, and the circuit being incomplete there will be no current. Lut there does exist a dis- turbance of Electrical equilibrium, which only waits for the poles pz, pe— that is, the tops of the plates to be joined together by a conductor to force a current round the now completed circuit. Say that the current starts from the pole pe, or the top | of the Carbon plate, it will pass through the connecting wire, down the Zinc plate, through the liquid, and up the Carbon plate back again to pc. For the passage of a current it is there- fore necessary to have a complete conductive circuit through which it may flow uninterrupt- edly, and any break in that circuit stops the current. During its passage there was a certain amount of Zine dissolved in the liquid, forming a soluble salt, Zine sulphate, and so long as there is Zinc capable of being acted upon, and Acid capable of acting upon it, just so long will it be possible to keep a current flowing. It has previously been said that there exists a dis- turbance of Electrical equilibrium between the plates Z and C, or more properly between the poles pz and pe. It will now be convenient to be more definite, and say that there is an Electrical force (Electro - motive - force) or pressure, which for practical purposes is measured in units called Volts, and, when permitted, this pressure will cause a current to flow round the circuit. The amount of the current is expressed in units termed Amperes. The following law, named after its enunciator,— Ohm/’s law, connects these two factors with a third, and gives their mutual relation. Thus:— (Pressure (in Volts) | Resistance (in Ohms). The resistance, which has the Ohm for a Current (in Amperes)=- | unit, is a force which conductors exercise in opposition to Electrical pressure. All conductors offer resistance, though some much more than others; good conductors the least, and extremely bad conductors, previously termed insulators, the greatest. The resistance of any conductor is directly proportional to its length, and inversely proportional to the area of its cross section. All wires used for Electrical purposes are classified in gauges, by being numbered in accordance with their cross section. The two gauges most commonly used are the Standard Wire Gauge (S.W.G.), and the Birmingham Wire Gauge (B.W.G.) These two gauges are so nearly alike that for most purposes they may be used indiscriminately. For the sake of example it will be interesting to take two pure Copper wires and compare their resistances. No. 1 wire, B.W.G., has a sectional area of :0707 sq. inch, and is *3 inch in diameter ; a mile of this wire has a resistance of only ‘6 of an Ohm, This, then, is a very thick wire, consequently of a very low resistance, and is suitable for a large current. Now take a much thinner wire, say No. 30, and refer to its cross section. It is only 0001 sq. inch, and its diameter only °012 inch;
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HOBBIES. gt bnt the resistance of 1 mile of it is 378-51 Ohms. The resistance of a yard of either size wire would, of course, be 1-1760 part that of a mile. In drawings of Hlectrical apparatus the Battery is usually represented by a symbol, thus, |/, the long thin line indicating the Carbon plate, or technically the positive element, and the short thick line the Zine plate, or negative element. In Fig. 6 is shewn a single cell. This when used alone forms a complete Battery in itself; but a Battery may consist of a great many such cells joined together, to give more powerful results. For example, “TTT i) Fie. 7. Fig. 7 indi- element of the first cell connected by a wire with the positive element of the second cell ; tery com- posed of six up inseries, with the the negative of the second with the positive of | the third, and so on through the whole Battery, | If each | | horizont- leaving the two end elements free. cell gives a pressure of say two Volts, then the pressure of the whole Battery will be 2x 6=12 Volts. But it is well to consider that each cell possesses within itself a resistance, say, for example, of half an Ohm, and by joining the six cells in series the total Battery resistance is brought up to -5 x 6 = 3 Ohms. Another catesa Bat- | cells joined | that is, | negative | | from arrangement is shewn in Fig 8, where all | the positive plates are joined _toge- ther to form one large ele- ment, and all the negative plates the same. This is termed connecting in parallel, and the voltage of the Battery so arranged is only that of one cell, that LSS Ee Sie Fie. 8. is, two Volts, but the total Battery resistance is | reduced to one-sixth part that of a single cell, | or 4+6=,4; Ohm. Modifications of these two arrangements are also possible, giving various voltages and resistances. Prominent among the properties of the Electric current are those of Magnetisation, the | power of acting magnetically, and the property | Its magnetic properties may be | easily demonstrated by winding a piece of | of induction. cotton or silk covered wire into the form of a helix, or hollow cyclinder, like H in Fig. 9, and H passing a current a throu gh its N coils froma | battery B. | Now sup- pose that a | short piece 5B of steel wire Fra. 9. N, say a common sewing needle, be brought to the mouth of the helix, then, if the current is sufficiently large and the number of coils sufficiently numerous, the needle N will be forcibly drawn within the helix. Moreover, the needle will itself become permanently magnetised. Had a soft iron wire =o aN ges AN GN ee been used instead of steel, it would like the other have been attracted within the helix and magnetised, but its magnetism would have been lost immediately on stopping the current or extracting from the helix. Itis perhaps needless to remark that a suspended or pivoted Magnet free to move in any horizontal direction will set itself in such a position that one end points direct to the magnetic north pole, while the other end obviously points to the magnetic south pole: it is, of course, assumed that the Magnet is a straight one. The mariner’s com- pass owes its action to this property of the Magnet. If, however, it is so arranged that a sus- pended or pivoted Magnet pointing N. and §. has a current flowing parallel to it, as in Fig. 10, then the current will en- deavour to divert the * Magnet its natural position, and will tend to set _— p Curren” SIT Te ally at right angles to the current. This interaction of the current and the Magnet may be roughly stated as the actuating principle of a very common form of Electric measuring instru- ment, the Galvonometer. The Galvonometer has a great many different forms, suitable for widely different purposes, but it may briefly be described as a magnetic needle suspended or pivoted in or near a coil of insulated (silk or cotton covered) copper wire through which a current may be passed parallel to the normal position of the needle. The needle, or more frequently a light pointer attached to it, indicates the amount of the deflection on a fixed card or dial. Current induction may be said to be of two kinds, that produced by the action of a Magnet, and that caused by a primary current. It will be most convenient to deal with them in their order. In Fig. 11 is shewn a helix of wire, H, connected with a sensitive Galvonometer G. On placing the Magnet M, which should be a powerful one, inside the helix, a momentary current will be induced in the wire, as will be shewn by a deflection of the Galvonometer. Taking the Magnet out again also induces a momentary current, but this time it will flow in the opposite direction, and the deflection on G will be reversed. Suppose now that instead of a Magnet and one helix, or coil, two coils are employed, one being wound over the other, and forming parts of two separate insulated circuits. One coil, termed the primary, is to have a current passed through it from a Battery (see Fig. 12) and the other, or secondary coil, is connected with a Galvo- nometer. Remember there is no Electrical Fie. 11.
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Q2 SAOBBIES. connection between the two coils, or other B parts of the two icy circuits. On starting the current round the primary coil by closing the Key K, a deflection will be shewn on G indicating a Fia. 12. momentary induced current in the secondary circuit. Having let the Galvanometer needle come to rest again, break the primary circuit by opening the Key, and another current will flow through the secondary circuit, but this time, as in the case of the Magnet, in the opposite direction. These induced currents are only transitory, and only occur at make and break of the primary circuit; but inasmuch as the pressure of the induced current is to a great extent proportional to the number of turns of wire, or windings, contained in the secondary coil, it is evidently possible to obtain very powerful effects by employing a great many turns of fine wire in its construction. The voltage between the terminals, or ends, of the primary coil can at most be only that of the Battery, but the current may be large owing to the small resistance of the primary circuit ; the pressure, however, between the terminals of | the secondary coil may perhaps be reckoned by | a great many thousands of Volts, although the current will be very small indeed. Here, then, is demonstrated the theory of | the Induction Coil proper, which, together with several minor pieces of apparatus, constitute what is sometimes called the Inductorium, which was, in its entirety, devised by Ruhmkorff, and to the practical construction of which it will now be necessary to pass. | (Lo be continued.) NOW READY! ONE SHILLING! Phil May’s Winter Annual Fifty full-paged Original Comic I/lustrations by PHIL MAY. Phil May’s Winter Annual Contributions by John Davidson, Grant Allen, | Walter Raymond, Richard Pryce, | Violet Hunt. | Phil May’s Winter Annual Of all Booksellers, Newsagents, and Bookstalls. Publishers: WALTER HADDON, Bouverie House, Salisbury Square, London, E.C. | 7s. 6d, a Week Salary And upward offered to both sexXes (for spare moments) every- where. The work may be done evenings. Apply, enclosing | addressed envelope, to M. Truscorr & Co., 5, Sherwood Ter., Chelston, Torquay. H. 23. ;. THE SWAN FOUNTAIN PEN. 10/6, 16/6, 25/- HOW MR. HALL CAINE WROTE THE ‘ MANXMAN.” “Yes, if the fact is of any con- sequence, you are very welcome to say that I wrote the ‘MANXMAN’ with the Swan Fountain Pen. It has become quite indispensable to me. I can use it with ease and certainty anywhere, and at any time, even in the dark, in bed, and on horseback. HALL CAINE.” We only require your steel pen and handwriting to select a suitable pen. Complete I/lustrated Catalogue sent post free on application. Mabie, Todd, & Bard, 93, CHEAPSIDE, E.C., or 95a, REGENT ST.,W. OTHER TESTIMONIALS. From Mr. RICHARD PENDEREL.—Five hundred thousand words have been written in fifteen months with one ‘‘ Swan” pen, and without the slightest evidence of wear in the pen. From THE ARCHBISHOP OF YoRK, Coatham, Redcar.—Though I have only had your pens in | use tor a month, I must write a line to say how intensely grateful I am to you for bringing them to my notice.—Yours very gratefully, W. D. DatrympeLe MAcwaGcan. "STINIS-OvVa Ga0nday
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HOBBIES. 93 In these columns we shall be pleased to answer questions on all subjects coming within the scope of Hobbies, but it must be understood that, as space is necessarily limited, we cannot attempt to reply to those queries which are of purely personal interest. In no case can we reply to enquiries by post. We shall always be glad to hear from our readers, and to receive suggestions with regard to Hobbies. All communications should be marked “Correspondence,” and must be addressed to the Editor of Hobbies, Bouverie House, Salisbury Square, London, E.C. FRETWORK AND CARVING. J. BRown.—Always apply glue hot; otherwise you need not expect it to make a strong joint. IraL1A.—You can obtain excellent photographs of Italian Wood Carving at the South Kensington Museum. The charge, we believe, is very moderate. J.P.D.—Fretwork Paper Knives should not be sharpened with an ordinary knife. The edges must first be trimmed with a file, and afterwards smoothed with fine sandpaper. METAL WORK. IMPATIENT.—Your pseudonym is well selected, but we can safely promise that such articles as Grills, Gas Brackets, Lanterns, etc., will all be dealt with in the Bent Iron Work series. STAMPS. T.0.—The | anna red and 4 anna blue of the first issue of India are worth, respectively, 1s. 6d. and 1s., if in good condition. C.W.E.—The leading Stamp Catalogue published in this country is that issued by Stanley Gibbons, Limited, 391, Strand, London. It is 3s. 6d., post free. J.L.—Grave doubts are entertained as to the bona fides of the Abyssinian stamps. Beiter leave them severely alone. At the best they are only of local franking power. PHOTOGRAPHY AND LANTERNS. T.S.M.—Using a 1-plate lens the distance from sitter would be about 12 feet. 4-plate about 18 feet. C, Brrp.—Use any of the well-known brands of plates, and give a drop-shutter exposure, with lens working at f/11. Joun BoSwELL.—Photograph received. You should have sent the title. We note that it is “The Pavilion at Brighton.” In future competitions kindly bear this in mind. E. B. RocErs.—You will have no difficulty in getting a good oil Lantern for £5. We cannot name specific makers, but you might with advantage consult our ad- vertising pages. T. L. Bucx.—If you intend to purchase a Lantern screen, go in for one of the washable opaque screens. Most dealers now supply these, and they are fast taking the place of the linen sheet. T, Cote.—We cannot answer your queries in this column, You had better buy an elementary book. ‘ Photography in a Nutshell,” published by Iliffe & Son, at 1s., would be jast the book for your purpose. Lantern.—The dissolving effect can only be properly obtained by using either a biunial Lantern, or two side by side. Care must be taken that the two discs when superimposed exactly coincide. RaDIATION.—It is not wise to attempt too large a picture in a room such as you describe. A dise 6 feet in diameter will give you good definition with your 4-wick lamp. Further enlargement will be at the sacrifice of illumina- tion. Mittert.—You would find that a 4-plate camera would answer your purpose. You ask us to name a good maker, this we cannot do. You will be quite safe in going to any respectable photographic dealer. We do not advise the purchase of second-hand apparatus. W. B. Wooptanp.—Some interesting, instructive, and amusing results may be obtained by using a glass tank in the Lantern. ‘Pond Life” thus shown is wonderful ; “Water Weeds,” the “ Dissolution of Crystals,” admix- ture of colouring matters, and scores of other simple experiments will delight your audience, J. D. Forpes.—A very considerable number of George R. Sims’ poems have been illustrated by Lantern Slides, and can be had of almost any dealer who lets out Slides on hire. Lantern Slides for three of Mr. Sims’ poems,— “The Magic Wand,” “A Bunch of Primroses,” and “The Level Crossing,”—we have, and shall be pleased to lend them to you or any other “Hobbyist” on payment of postage. R.S.C.—There is practically no difficulty in making Lantern Slides by contact.—The Lantern plate is laid over the negative in a printing frame, an exposure given to an ordinary gas flame burning about 5 feet per hour. The duration of the exposure will vary according to the density of the negative, and the distance of the printing frame from the flame, say from 5 to 45 seconds, or more. This matter wil] be fully treated of in the articles now appearing upon the ‘‘ Magic Lantern.” OUTDOOR HOBBIES. J.B.W.—Hobbies will deal fully with Golf and the other outdoor amusements in due time. EXcELSior.—The first ascent of the Matterhorn was made by Mr. Edward Whymper, about 30 years ago. A full account is given in his interesting work, ‘Scrambles amongst the Alps.” The book is somewhat expensive, but can be obtained at any large circulating library. HEATING For Churches, Shops, Factories, Chapels, Halls, Public Buildings, Schools, Offices, Greenhouses, &c. Illustrated Catalogue Free. ONE Ss & artwoOD STOURBRIDGE APPARATUS
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oF HOBBIES. abhi ae" »*, It may here be stated that an ar ue that Hh z Expert has been specially arranged with to give the readers of Hobbies advice and information of a practical nature about Poultry, Bees, Rabbits, Dogs, Horses, Pigs, Cage Birds, and Fancy Stock; also on all matters relating to Land, Allotments, Gardening, Trees, Plants, Flowers, Fruit, Vegetables, and on all home and outdoor Hobbies that are of a profitable nature. Replies to queries will be made as generally interesting as possible. It may be as well to say here that we intend to develop the practical side of these and other paying hobbies, and that we shall Spare no expense in securing the best practical assistance for the benefit of our readers. APPLES AND PEARS. g F one takes into account the small area of ground covered by a fruitful tree, there is hardly a more profit- able subject in all the field of culture. This applies to any form of tree—bush, pyramid or cordon, Apple or Pear, and to any age. Last week a well-known nursery firm exhibited some two-year-old specimen trees, the crop on which had been valued at £100 per acre. As trees pay more—to put it tersely—each season after the year when they were established, right on till they become enfeebled with continuous bearing, and are (or should be) cut down, the subject of profit, so far as trees are concerned, may here be dis- missed. It has served, however, to introduce the two or three principal or necessary conditions of culture, without which neither hobbyist nor specialist can make Fruit growing possible. Let us take by way of illustration one of the newer forms of Fruit trees, such as this :— AN AMATEUR’S STANDARD. This form of tree was origi- nated by a tree specialist, to enable the planter to get a good crop on his tree the year after planting, and to give him Fruit from the spurs on the stem whilst the head of the standard was being develop- ed. Here we havethesystem of getting at immediate profits from tree planting. sv: An Amateur’s Standard. In five or six years’ time, under good culture and management, a standard-headed tree would begin to pay for itself,—that is taking Fruit tree culture as it used to be. For a first cost of 2/- or 2/6 per tree, one may begin having Fruit from the outset, in such a quantity and of such quality that the profits therefrom will be pretty certain to pay for the cost of the trees the first season after planting. Take the Cox’s Orange Pippin Apple, or the Doyenné du Comice Pear, gathered from one of these trees and kept till Christmas. It is no exaggeration to say that fair samples of either are at Christmas-time worth $d. each. The trees are capable of bearing at least six dozen each, at a value of 3/- Every season afterwards, for many years, they should yield more. No doubt many people who read this will have seen the ““wonderful” Apples and Pears that have been so plentiful at the Autumn Shows this year. Those Fruits are the produce of two or three-year-old trees, grown in the open ground under ordinary but sensible culture. THE METHOD. We need not go back to the propagating: that is, the grafting of a scion on a seedling or a dwarfing stock. Amateur growers will always do best to buy their young trees worked and trained ready for them. The soil must be of a fertile nature; it should have a sunny and sheltered exposure, and must be free from stagnant water. The soil should not be old and exhausted, nor yet must it be of that stony or chavicky nature which rests on a subsoil of solid clay. A rather strong, rich, loamy soil resting on a porous subsoil is the best for Fruit tree culture. To establish such a soil is by no means easy. It may be done by draining the surface, by breaking up and draining the subsoil, and by bringing in fresh loamy soil to nourish the roots of the trees. To grub out any old tree and to plant a young one in its place is the way to produce a stunted cankerous tree that will only bear inferior Fruit. ‘The preparation of the soil, and its suitability, as well as its after management, all require con- sideration, and also methodical handling. In the smallest garden it is possible to have some trees
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HOBBIES. 95 that will pay well with thoughtful cultivation. Possibly the best step to take where only a few trees are going to be experimented with, would be to get a cartload ot fresh loamy soil for each tree, to mix into it a couple of barrow-loads of well decomposed farmyard manure, and to make a hole in the ground not less than two feet deep to put this in. The old soil should then be taken away. When the hole is open, before putting in the new soil, the subsoil can be attended to. If it be of a clayey or stony nature it may be taken out and the space filled up with the old surface soil, but even this site will have a fault if it acts as a well for holding the rain water. The cutting of a drain at a depth of three feet towards the | nearest outlet or slope in the ground will be a remedy for this. As soon as the new soil has settled down it will be time to plant the tree. For several reasons, before Christmas may be named as the best time. Previous to winter the ground has not fully cooled down, and young roots will thus have achanceof takinghold. The buds will get an earlier start in spring, and the blossom will have a better opportunity to set strongly. In nurseries the best trees are usually gone long before Christmas. When Fruit growing is practised on a larger scale, the preparation of the soil must receive careful attention. In the actual work, planting of roots is the principal consideration. Roots spread out horizontally by nature, and they must be so placed by the planter. They should be examined and trimmed if necessary, every damaged piece being cut off with a sharp knife— the cut being made from the under side of the root. All long bare roots should be cut back in the same way. A stout stake is necessary to support the tree, and this should be driven in first. Let some one hold the tree upright with one hand, while with the other he uses a blunt stick with which to settle the soil among the roots as it is gently shovelled in. When the roots are all covered and the soil comes up to the collar of the tree (z.e., to where the earth covered it before) tread the soil down gently ; then spread a thin layer of manure over it, and finally cover with two or three inches of soil so as to forma small mound. Tie the tree firmly to the stake, using a piece of strong tarcord, and put a strip of sacking or tarred roofing felt around the stem to protect it from chafing. A mulching of strawy manure may also be applied, and the tree then left to do its best. DWARFING STOCKS. A fruitful tree is known by its roots! The Paradise and the Quince Stocks have almost revolutionised work in nurseries. By their use, dense and compact balls of roots, covered with tbe hair-like feeders, can be made in much less time than was formerly occupied in tree growing. Any one who digs up a seedling tree—Apple, Pear, or any other—will find a few roots on it of a more or less long and straggling habit. Only severe root pruning and frequent transplanting will alter their characteror make them at all like those in the illustration. Yet this is a picture of what the roots of every tree grown on a Paradise Stock should be like by the time it is three years old. Such roots as these make trees fruitful, there is no possibility of their being otherwise ; and under ordinary conditions they will be covered with blossom every spring. Apart from that, the fruit they bear will quality and of a large size. question of there being a large eZ GPE ZF Ls by ZA) 4) iy His Zo be of the finest It is simply a stomach, a good digestion, and plenty of food. The roots are the stomach, _ their amount of feed- ing or absorbing power represents the appetite, and the food comes from the good and fertile soil. Apple trees on the Paradise, and Pear trees on the Quince Stock, may be planted very closely upon the ground as they are small and keep in a dwarf condition for a long time. If only trees are to occupy the ground, 1,000 of them — one to every four or five square yards—might be planted on a single acre. If in three years’ time half of them be trans- planted to fresh ground, and be allowed to occupy an acre to themselves, these two acres should (and would) be most profitable. Among the best sorts of Apples for profitable culture may be named, in the order of ripening—Mr. Gladstone, Beauty of Bath, Devonshire Quarrenden, Kerry Pippin, Golden Pippin, Blenheim Orange, King of Pippins, Ribston Pippin, Cox’s Orange, Peasgood’s Nonsuch, Washington, Scarlet Nonpareil, Beauty of Kent, Lord Burleigh, Rosemary Russet, and May Queen. The Apple Lord Suffield is the largest of the early class, while the Wellington takes the foremost place among the late ones. Of good pears, in their seasons’ order, may be named :—Jargonelle, Williams’ Bon Chretien, Louise, Bonne of Jersey, Marie Louise, Pitmaston, Duchess, Beurré Superfin, Beurré Hardy, Beurré Diel, Doyenné du Comice, and Easter Beurré. Roots of a Paradise Stock. A SUPERIOR PRINTING OUTFIT for 1/6. SAS x Consisting of 74 letters, \, points, and ornaments, a type holder, supply of ink, pad and tweezers. Any name, &c., can be made at pleasure, for stamping books, papers and print- ing cards. Postage 3d. extra. ILLUSTRATED CaraLocuz FREE. i N.B.—Larger Out- fits can be sup- plied at 2/6, 3/6, and 6/6 each. ToBacconists CoMMENCING. See Illd. Guide & Catalogue (259 pgs.) 5d., “How to open a Cigar Store, ilk i in l H. LINDNER, 170, Fleet Street, London, B.C. £20 to £2,000.”—Tobacconists’ Out- fitting Co. (Reg.), 186, Euston Rd., London. N.B.— Shopfitters and ( on showcase makers for all trades. (Over 50 years’ reputation). Mer., H. Myers. v
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96 HOBBIES. BUY YOUR FRETWORK MACHINES DIRECT FROM THE MAKERS, If you want a First Class Treadle Fretwork Machine at a very low price, buy THE IMPROVED “ROGER” FRETSAW gM RR Ry WITH BLOWER Drilling Giwchice: These Machines are made entirely in our own workshops, and we strongly recommend them as being thoroughly serviceable and reliable. Although offered at an exceptionally low price, they are of the very best quality and finish, and can be trusted to execute the finest and most delicate work in Scroll-sawing, Inlaying, and Overlaying. The arms have a clear swing of 18 inches, thus enabling a large piece of work to be cut, and the clamps are hung on pivots and will hold any size of saw. The Tilting Table may readily be adjusted to any angle for Inlaying. The Machines are made by experienced workmen, and all material used is of the best quality. Hach one is tested before leaving the factory, and is provided with Drilling Attachment, Dust Blower, Fly Wheel, and all accessories. The Improved “ Roger’? Fretsaw. No. 1.—Price, complete .... oe: ee 3a 322 BE) (OR 15,3 WITH THREE HOBBIES’ COUPONS.) No. 2.—Price, with Nickel-plated Tilting Table and Solid Emery Wheel in addition to Fly Wheel 19/- (OR 18/1 WITH FOUR HOBBIES’ COUPONS.) PACKING CASES FREE. For other Fretwork Machines, Lathes, Tools, Designs, and all Materials for Fretwork and Wood Carving, see our new and greatly enlarged Catalogue (price 6d.), with which is GIVEN AWAY a handsome Design for a Fretwork Model of the Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament, ‘“ Big Ben,” the published price of which is 1/- Send at once 6d. for Catalogue and Presentation Design. Ke HOBBIES’ COUPONS TAKEN. J. H. SKINNER & Co., H Dept, DEREHAM, Norfolk. Printed and Published at the Oftice of “ Hopsigs,” Bouverie House, Salisbury Square, London, E.C. Sole Advertirement Agents, -JoHN Hapvon & Co., Bouyerie House, Salisbury Square, London, E.C,