that the bottom will present an absolutely smooth surface to the snow.  Fasten two side bars to the top of the cross sticks and screw them firmly.  In some instances the timbers are fastened together by strings, a groove being cut m the bottom of the boards so as to keep the strings from protruding and being ground to pieces.  After the side bars are securely fastened, bend the ends of the boards over and tie them to the ends of the front cross bar to hold them in position.  See Fig. 6.  The strings for keeping the boards bent must be very strong.  Pieces of stout wire, or a slender steel rod, are even better.  The toboggan slide is the favored device of sport among the boys in Canada, where nearly every boy knows how to make them.

** The Norwegian Ski. [384]

You have often read of the ski, the snowshoe used by the Norwegians and other people living in the far north.  With them the men and women glide down the snow-covered mountain sides, leap across ditches, run races and have all kinds of sport.  They are just as amusing to the American boy who has ever learned to manipulate them, and it is wonderful how much skill can be attained in their use.  Any boy with a little mechanical ingenuity can make a pair of skis (pronounced skees).  They can be made from two barrel staves.  Select staves of straight grained wood.  Sharpen the ends of each and score each end by cutting grooves in the wood, as shown in the cut, Fig. 7.  A pocket knife or small gouge will suffice for this work.  Then smear the end of the staves with oil and hold them close to a hot fire until they can be bent so as to tip the toes upward, as shown in the picture, Fig. 7.  Then with a cord bind the staves as they are bent and permit them to remain thus tied until they retain the curved form of their own accord.  Now screw on top of each ski a little block, just broad and high enough to fit in front of the heels of your shoe.  Fasten a strap in front of

[Illustration:  Home-Made Skis]

each block through which to slip your toes, and the skis are made.  The inside of the shoe heel should press firmly against the block and the toe be held tightly under the strap.  This will keep the skis on your feet.  Now procure a stick with which to steer and hunt a snow bank.  At first you will afford more amusement to onlookers than to yourself, for the skis have a way of trying to run in opposite directions, crosswise and various ways, but with practice you will soon become expert in their manipulation.

** Home-Made Settee [385]

Many people have old wooden beds stored away which can easily be made into handy settees like the one shown in the accompanying photograph.  A few nails and one-half dozen 3-in. screws are all the materials necessary besides the old bed.  The tools needed are a saw, hammer and a screwdriver.  The head-board, if too high, can be cut

[Illustration:  Settee Made from Old Wooden Bed]