** Coin and Tumbler Trick [378]

The accompanying sketch shows how a good trick may be easily performed by anyone.  Lay a piece of

[Illustration:  This Is a Good Trick]

heavy paper that is free from creases on a board or table.  Secure three tumblers that are alike and stick a piece of the same heavy paper over the openings in two of them, neatly trimming it all around the edges so as to leave nothing of the paper for anyone to see.  Make three covers of paper as shown in Fig. 1 to put over the tumblers.  Place three coins on the sheet of paper, then the tumblers with covers on top of the coins, the unprepared tumbler being in the middle.  Now lift the covers off the end tumblers, and you will see that the paper on the openings covers the coins.  Replace the covers, lift the middle one, and a coin will be seen under the tumbler, as the opening of this tumbler is not covered.  Drop the cover back again and lift the other tumblers and covers bodily, so that the spectators can see the coins, remarking at the same time that you can make them vanish from one to the other.  The openings of the tumblers must never be exposed so that any one can see them, and a safe way to do this is to keep them level with the table.

** Another Way to Renew Dry Batteries [378]

There are many methods of renewing dry batteries, and I have used several of them, but I found the following the best:  Remove the paper cover and with a 1/4-in. drill make about six holes around the side of the zinc, about 1/2 in. from the bottom.  Then drill another row of holes about half way up the side and put the battery to soak in a solution of sal ammoniac for 48 hours.  Then remove and plug the holes up with hard soap, and replace in the paper box, when it will give nearly as strong a current as when new.

** Simply Made Wire Puzzle [378]

The object of this simply made wire puzzle is to get the ring off, which is not easy unless you know how.  To do so it is necessary to move the triangle with ring to one of the hinge joints and fold the puzzle.  Then slip the ring off the triangle over the hinge joint and it will slip all around and off at the other hinge.

[Illustration:  Puzzle]

** Pronunciation [378]

Diabolo is pronounced Dee-ab-lo.

** Repairing Box Cameras [379]

In repairing the inner part of box cameras which have been broken loose, use a binding of strong black cloth well glued in place.  This will materially strengthen the joints where the wooden pieces are so thin that it is impossible to use brads in holding them together.

Do not forget to thoroughly clean all the old glue or cement from the joints with a rasp or sandpaper before attempting a repair.

** A Fishhook Box [379]

A box that may be used to hold fishhooks, sinkers, matches or any small articles, can be made from two empty shotgun cartridges as shown in the sketch.  The paper is cut from the brass part of one shell at the place marked A, Fig. 1, and the brass part, Fig-. 2, is used for a cap on the other