The most primitive bird-house is the large, old-time calabash gourd,
which the early settlers were wont to cultivate in large quantities, and
apply to various purposes, among which were bird-houses. When of
fine shape and rich color, they form no insignificant ornament, espe-
cially when varnished and embellished with smaller varieties, of which
there are beautiful kinds, easily raised from seed. By piercing holes
and using flexible wire these may be made tasteful and commodious.
Another admirable wren-box is made of a cocoa-nut shell, by scoop-
ing the meat out through a circular aperture a few inches in diameter.
These, arranged in groups against a building or tree, with hanging
baskets made of the same material, and stocked with creepers sus-
pended above them, are exceedingly pretty.
Flower-pots or hanging baskets of earthenware make good roofs for
the swinging bird-houses. These dish-like roofs give a Japanese
appearance to the houses, which is increased by fastening pendants —
acorns, cones, etc. — around the edges. The pole passes through a
large sized pan, secured as before, and finished with the screen of rustic
work.
A cluster of three pots against a wall, with a receptacle for a vine
BOXES. 15
and creepers in the open space in the center, is another effective
arrangement ; and a group of two, three or four cocoanut shells on a
wooden bottom of ornamental form, covered with rustic-work, and fas-
tened on a rose pillar, is among the most beautiful of our bird-houses.
A pole three feet high (above the center), supports the roof, which is
made on a frame, and extends above the houses.
BOXES.
CARVED AND ENGRAVED
An excellent imitation of carving, suitable for frames, boxes, etc.,
may be made of a description of leather called basil. The art consists
in cutting out this material in imitation of natural objects, and in
impressing upon it by simple tools, the same as in wax flowers. Begin
with a simple object — an ivy-leaf, for instance. Cut the proper shape,
and impress the veins upon it; then arrange them in groups, when
you have sufficient, on the frame. The tools required are ivory or
steel points of various sizes, punches and tin-shapes. Before cutting
out the leaves, the leather should be well soaked in water until it is
quite pliable. When dry the leaves will retain their artistic shape.
Leaves and stems are fastened together with glue, and varnished
when dry, or you may varnish with sealing-wax dissolved in spirits of
wine. Wire, cork, gutta-percha, bits of stems, etc., may severally be
used to aid in the formation of groups of buds and seed-vessels, etc.
CIGAR BOXES UTILIZED.
Page 19
Presented as published in 1886. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
AI-modernized reading of the original text
The most primitive bird-house is the large, old-time calabash gourd, which the early settlers were wont to cultivate in large quantities, and apply to various purposes, among which were bird-houses. When of fine shape and rich color, they form no insignificant ornament, especially when varnished and embellished with smaller varieties, of which there are beautiful kinds, easily raised from seed. By piercing holes and using flexible wire these may be made tasteful and commodious.
Another admirable wren-box is made of a cocoa-nut shell, by scooping the meat out through a circular aperture a few inches in diameter. These, arranged in groups against a building or tree, with hanging baskets made of the same material, and stocked with creepers suspended above them, are exceedingly pretty.
Flower-pots or hanging baskets of earthenware make good roofs for the swinging bird-houses. These dish-like roofs give a Japanese appearance to the houses, which is increased by fastening pendants — acorns, cones, etc. — around the edges. The pole passes through a large sized pan, secured as before, and finished with the screen of rustic work.
A cluster of three pots against a wall, with a receptacle for a vine
BOXES. 15
and creepers in the open space in the center, is another effective arrangement ; and a group of two, three or four cocoa-nut shells on a wooden bottom of ornamental form, covered with rustic-work, and fastened on a rose pillar, is among the most beautiful of our bird-houses. A pole three feet high (above the center), supports the roof, which is made on a frame, and extends above the houses.
BOXES.
CARVED AND ENGRAVED
An excellent imitation of carving, suitable for frames, boxes, etc., may be made of a description of leather called basil. The art consists in cutting out this material in imitation of natural objects, and in impressing upon it by simple tools, the same as in wax flowers. Begin with a simple object — an ivy-leaf, for instance. Cut the proper shape, and impress the veins upon it; then arrange them in groups, when you have sufficient, on the frame. The tools required are ivory or steel points of various sizes, punches and tin-shapes. Before cutting out the leaves, the leather should be well soaked in water until it is quite pliable. When dry the leaves will retain their artistic shape. Leaves and stems are fastened together with glue, and varnished when dry, or you may varnish with sealing-wax dissolved in spirits of wine. Wire, cork, gutta-percha, bits of stems, etc., may severally be used to aid in the formation of groups of buds and seed-vessels, etc.
CIGAR BOXES UTILIZED.