Construct the auto front (Fig. 4) of 3/4-in. oak boards.  The illustration shows how to shape it.  Bevel it toward all sides and keep the edges sharp, as sharp edges are best suited for the brass trimmings which are to be added.  When the auto front is in place enamel the sled either a dark maroon or a creamy white.  First sandpaper all the wood, then apply a coat of thin enamel.  Let stand for three days and apply another coat.  Three coats of enamel and one of thin varnish will make a fine-looking sled.  For the brass trimmings use No. 27 B. & S. sheet brass 1 in. wide on all the front edges and pieces 3 in. square on the cross bars to rest the feet against.  On the door of the auto front put the monogram of the owner or owners of the sled, cutting it out of sheet brass.

For the steering-wheel procure an old freight-car “brake” wheel, brass plated.  Fasten a horn, such as used on automobiles, to the wheel.

Make the cushion of leather and stuff it with hair.  The best way is to get some strong, cheap material, such as burlap, sew up one end and make in

[Illustration:  Construction a “Winner” Toboggan Sled]

the form of an oblong bag.  Stuff this as tightly as possible with hair.  Then get some upholstery buttons, fasten a cord through the loop, bring the cord through to the underside of the cushion, and fasten the button by slipping a nail through the knot.  Then put a leather covering over the burlap, sewing it to the burlap on the under side.  Make the cushion for the back in the same way.  On top of the cushion supports run a brass tube to serve the double purpose of holding the cushion down and affording something to hold on to.

If desired, bicycle lamps may be fastened to the front end, to improve the appearance, and it is well to have a light of some kind at the back to avoid the danger of rear-end collisions.

The door of the auto front should be hinged and provided with a lock so that skates, parcels, overshoes, lunch, etc. may be stowed within.  A silk pennant with a monogram adds to the appearance.

If desired, a brake may be added to the sled.  This can be a wrought-iron lever 1-1/2 in. by 1/2 in. by 30 in. long, so pivoted that moving the handle will cause the end to scrape the ice.  This sled can be made without lamps and horn at a cost of about $15, or with these for $25, and the pleasure derived from it well repays the builder.  If the expense is greater than one can afford, a number of boys may share in the ownership.

** Burning Inscriptions on Trees

Scrape off the bark just enough to come to the first light under coating, which is somewhat moist.  With a lead pencil make an outline of the inscription to be burnt on the tree and bring, the rays of a large magnifying glass not quite to a fine focus on the same.  The tree will be burnt along the pencil marks, and if the glass is not held in one spot too long, the inscription will be burnt in as evenly as if it had been written.  —­Contributed by Stewart H. Leland, Lexington, Ill.