Stránka:roll 1931.djvu/134

118 Woodcraft Birch Bark Roll of a worn-out boot. The tools needed are a sharp knife, a shoemaker’s curved awl, and some wax-ends with bristle tips. Wax-ends, for the benefit of the modern generation, are strong, heavy, linen threads, thoroughly waxed with shoe- maker’s wax, and one end rolled into the split top of a pig’s bristle ; said bristle being obtainable at a shoemaker’s supply house, out of a big paint brush, or from the back of a sleeping porker of large size and low degree, razorback preferred. The bristle serves as a needle, but is much easier to work in a small or curving hole. Begin by thoroughly soaking the leather in warm water until it is soft and pliable. Cut a band about 2 inches wide and 9¥4 inches long. This is fastened around the middle of the ball, and tightly stitched where the ends meet, by the shoemaker’s stitch; i.e., two wax-ends, one for each side, working the same hole each time and drawn very tight. The hole in each case is made by the curved awl. Having finished this equatorial belt, the polar caps are needed, one at each end. Of the soft, moist leather, cut a circular piece that will fit on and wholly cover the exposed yarn at one cap of the ball. Fasten this in place with three or four big pins or a tack stitch, at four opposite places. | Now, with two wax-ends, sew this to the equatorial belt, through and through, as before; or over-hand, drawing it tight. Set the other cap on in the same way. Now, while it is damp and soft, roll the ball thoroughly under two flat boards, till it is round and smooth without a bump, beating the stitch- ing a little where it is rough. Let the leather dry, and the ball is ready for the game. How to Make a Noggin IL8 IV E8 (a) By Jutia M. BuTTREE The word noggin is said to be from the Gaelic and Irish cnag,a knob, or peg. Hence it is named from its round form, or from its being made of a knotty piece of wood; and the name was transferred from the knot to the cup made of the knot, and even to its contents. Apple and maple burls are the best for the purpose. The burl should be a little larger than the cup is to be; as the