Take note, first of all, of the difference between an ellipse and an
oval.
The large plate explains the construction of an ellipse. It shows how to
find the points where the three pins are placed that determine the size
of the looped string. Be sure and make measurements accurately. Use a
string that will not give, cotton thread is good for small ellipses,
silk is too elastic. A suggestion to amateur gardeners: make elliptical
flower beds this way.
The caution in regard to accuracy also applies to the making of the
oval.
[Illustration: How to make an Ellipse DRAW TWO LINES CROSSING AT RIGHT
ANGLES IN CENTER WITH COMPASSES MEASURE DISTANCE BA WITH CENTER C AND
DISTANCE BA AS RADIUS INTERSECT LINE BD AT POINTS OF INTERSECTION E AND
F PLACE PINS PLACE PIN AT C LOOP A STRING AROUND ALL THREE PINS TAKE OUT
PIN AT C AND REPLACE WITH PENCIL POINT WITH STRING TAUT RUN THE PENCIL
AROUND UNTIL ELLIPSE IS COMPLETED]
[Illustration: [House]]