_Toy Cannon_--one quite easily made at a negligible cost and yet quite
effective. The only extra cost will be that of a piece of strong
elastic: the remainder being made of such things as cigar-or
chocolate-box wood. Fig. 16 shows the finished article; and a careful
study of this illustration will make clear much of the method of
manufacture.
[Illustration: FIG. 16.]
We commence with the stand. This is quite simple, being composed of five
pieces of cigar-box wood, a rectangular base, two sides cut as shown,
and two small end-pieces to give the sides stability. The measurements
you can decide for yourself: we suggest a base 5 in. long and 2 in.
wide, and side about 2-1/2 or 3 in. high, as being suitable to the
thickness of cigar-box wood.
The cannon itself is not very difficult, if made square instead of
cylindrical. The barrel is composed of four pieces of thin wood glued
together as shown in Fig. 17. The pieces are about 6 in. long, and are
cut and fitted to such a width as will leave a square hole in which the
rod can move easily. On the under side of this barrel are fixed two
pieces of wood--one about 1-1/2 in. long and 3/4 in. wide at the end
near the mouth: to this the elastic will be fixed. The other, a piece
about 1-1/4 in. long and square in section, is fixed about midway along
the barrel, and will act as an axle on which the cannon can swing.
[Illustration: FIG. 17.]
The rod by which the shot is ejected should be square in section, and
about 5 in. long. At the rear end of it should be fixed two side-pieces
to act as stops to prevent the elastic forcing the rod too far into the
barrel. A nail driven through these two pieces will prevent the elastic
slipping out each time the cannon is fired (Fig. 18).
[Illustration: FIG. 18.]
All that remains now is the fixing of the elastic. It should be slipped
through the slot at the end of the rod, and the two ends fixed as shown
in the first illustration.
If desired, this cannon can be used in connection with the skittles as
described on page 30, and in fact the pegs can be quite easily carved
into the similitude of soldiers and used for the game. It can also find
a place in the "cokernut shy" described on page 31.