FIG. 4.-ANOTHER STAR. In all stars, the inside dotted square must be formed as in Fig. 1 for the star to be made properly. When completed, all the pieces of wood represented by dotted lines can be removed, and the star will then be quite perfect. Let us now show one or two examples | These are very effective when made, and not of Texts in Old English. (Figs. 5 and 6.) so difficult to construct as they look. Patience Mirtue KNINT ✩ thu✰ Jather and thu Mober FIG. 7 (the Jug which appears on our first page). First lay two pieces of wood to form the bottom of the jug; then put ten pieces in an upright direction (see dotted lines); then put five pieces across (see dotted lines); then place four pieces across, lower down (see dotted lines); then put four more pieces across from the neck to the handle (see dotted lines). These dotted lines are only inserted to enable the builder to form the jug; when it is formed they are, of course, removed. Having laid the wood in the direction of the dotted lines, it is now pos sible to begin the jug. Commence at the bottom of the right-hand side, placing the sticks one after the other, to the number of twelve, which form the lip or spout of the jug; then lay other sticks up the length and side, beginning from the bottom, one after the other, end to end, as shown in the diagram. The dotted line crossing the neck to the handle is put in to show how it is formed. By the assistance of the dotted lines it will be easily seen how to form the ornamental pattern on the jug. When all the sticks are laid, remove those represented by the dotted lines, and the jug will be then perfect. FIG. 8.-A CHURCH WINDOW. This would be a good study in a school where there is plenty of room. The children will begin at the bottom, and by counting the number of sticks in the diagram, they will, with care, be able to form this imposing Gothic window. Where the lines in the diagram are thick, it is intended that two or more pieces should be put close together. FIG. 9. A CLOCK-FACE. Having carefully studied our instructions for the formation of the preceding diagrams, the little builders may, by the exercise of a trifling amount of ingenuity and carefulness, adapt the rules we have laid down to the formation of a clock-face, as shown in the diagram (p. 28). The diagrams which are used as illustrations to this article have all been made from figures practically worked out with the pieces. of firewood. Such designs may, of course, be increased ad infinitum by persons who are interested in the work. We commend the suggestion here given of a very inexpensive and exhaustive amusement for little pauper children to every philanthropic lady and gentleman numbered among the readers of ONCE A WEEK; and we believe our suggestion will bear fruit. If it does, our object in writing this article is served. | of firewood will very well supply the place of the richer child's wooden bricks, let the halfpenny bundles serve the children's purpose first, and that of lighting the fires afterwards. fall in their way. We might multiply instances of the anomaly in every branch of knowledge and of industry; but let it suffice to say that the machine-gun, which engages our present attention, will be found no exception to the exception-if it be not the rule-that invention requires no specialty. The American gentleman who gives his name to the particular modification of mitrailleuse under consideration is a doctor of medicine, not of divinity-as has been stated by a writer in one of our military contemporaries; and so far back as 1861, he conceived the idea of a compound guni.c., a collection of barrels arranged around a central shaft, and placed in combination with grooved chambers, each barrel being furnished with its own lock mechanism, designed to work independently, but with continuous regularity, through the play of internal pinions actuated by a crank handle at the will of the operator. His first attempts at constructing the gun were naturally rude and imperfect; but well January 6, 1872.] might the good people of Indianopolis have gazed amazedly at the ugly-looking weapon as it poured forth round after round-200 a minute-under the manipulation of their inventive townsman. From this moment the fame of the Gatling Battery became noised abroad; and although the very first batch of guns on the new principle, together with numerous patterns and drawings, were destroyed at a fire in the city of Cincinnati in the following year, the indefatigable and enterprising doctor soon produced fresh plans, and double the number of the guns consumed were rapidly manufactured at another establishment in the same city. The result of their trial was in every instance a gratifying success, which culminated in the adoption of the arm officially by the United States Government in 1866. During these years of repeated experiments with his machine-gun-the chrysalis period of its existence, so to speak-Dr. Gatling made no effort to suppress the secret of its mechanism; but, on the contrary, we are told, "he published full descriptions of the gun, with cut and diagrams, and sent them to all parts of the civilized world." c. Elevating screw. D. Foresight. E. Hopper. F. Cascable plate. G. Plugged orifice to reach a damaged lock when necessary. H. Front circular plate. 1. Barrels. J. Cartridge boxes. K. Thumb-nut. L. Foot-stand. M. Shelving trench (two feet deep) into which to lower the gun when not engaged. N. Automatic traversing screw. incumbent on us, so as to initiate the uninstructed into the mysteries involved by this novel many-slayer; but we shall endeavour to be as brief and intelligible as the nature of the subject will allow. With the aid of our illustration, it will be at once apparent that the gun is composed of ten rifled barrels, supported near the muzzle by a circular plate, and screwed into another at the breech, both of which plates are rigidly fastened upon and to a main revolving shaft, which is itself journaled in front into the frame that supports the entire apparatus, |