This string may be fastened across a door or window and any movement of it will pull it to the contact point on the right.  If the string is cut or broken the spring will pull the lever to the contact point on the left and thus complete the circuit.  If the string is burned it will also act as a fire alarm.

** How to Fit Corks [368]

Occasionally odd-sized bottles are received in stores which require corks cut to fit them.  No matter how sharp a knife may be, it will leave some sharp edges after cutting the cork, which will cause leakage.  The illustration shows three very effective methods of reducing the size of corks.  The one shown in Fig. 1 is made from two pieces of 1/2-in. wood fastened together at one end with a common hinge.  Two or three grooves are cut cross-wise in sizes desired.  The cork is put into the groove and both pieces are pressed together, which will make the cork smaller.

Rolling the cork between two flat

[Illustration:  Three Methods for Reducing Size of Corks]

surfaces (Fig. 2) is simple and almost as good as pressing in the grooves.  A cork rolled on the floor (Fig. 3) is a quick and effective way.  A slower and equally as good way is to soak the cork in hot water for a short time.  —­Contributed by L. Szerlip, Brooklyn, N. Y.

** Right Handed Engine [368]

Standing at the cylinder end and looking toward the flywheel of an engine, the wheel will be at the right if the engine is right-hand.

** Home-Made Crutch [369]

While a fractured bone was healing in the limb of my boy he needed a pair of crutches and not being able to secure the right length, I set about to make the crutches from two broom handles.  I split the handles to within 1 ft. of the end (Fig. 1) with a rip saw, and then stuck them in a barrel of water for three days to make the wood pliable for bending.  A grip for each stick was made as long as the hand is wide and a hole bored through the center the size of a No. 10 gauge wire.  These grips were placed between the two halves of each stick at the right distance for the length of the boy’s arm and a wire run through both split

[Illustration:  A Broom Handle Crutch]

pieces and the handle then riveted as shown in Fig. 2.  Another piece was cut as shown at A, Fig. 3, and nailed to the upper ends of each half of the broom handle.  —­Contributed by Geo. P. Grehore, Nashville, Tenn.

** Home-Made Necktie Holder [369]

The gas bracket is considered a good place to hang neckties, even if it does crowd them together.  The illustration shows a better method, a curtain rod attached to one end of a bureau.  Two long-shanked, square-hooked screws should be used, so they may be screwed beneath and close up to the projecting top.  When removed they will leave no

[Illustration:  Hanger for Ties]

disfiguring holes.  —­Contributed by C. W. Neiman, New York City.