(Type A Stilt.)

Most every boy knows there is a certain fascination in walking on stilts, but they may prove a dangerous pastime if not strongly made.

In this style of stilt (Type A, Plate 41) the uprights are held beneath the arm pits.

The upright pieces should be made 7/8" × 1-3/8" × 5', or as long as the boy desires. Hard pine or ash make strong, durable stilts. The edges of the upright should be slightly rounded so that they will fit the hand nicely.

Holes are bored with a 1/4" bit, 17" from the lower end and 2-1/2" apart, as shown. The upper hole is countersunk to receive a 2-1/2" No. 12 flat-head screw.

The foot rests are made 1" × 3-1/2" × 5" and shaped, as indicated on the drawing.

They are secured to the uprights with screws and 1/4" × 3" round-head stove bolts. Several holes at various eighths could be bored to allow of adjusting the foot rest to suit the user of the stilt.

The uprights can be painted red and the foot rests green, or the whole can be left plain, according to the desires of the maker. A touch of paint, however, not only adds to the appearance of any article, but also preserves it and lengthens its life.

(Type B Stilt.)

Type B stilt (Plate 41) is made shorter than Type A and is to be strapped to the leg just above the knee.

The uprights are 1" × 1-3/8" × 36", or longer if desired.

Round the edges of the uprights and bore holes at the same places and of the same size as in Type A.

A strap is screwed on, as is shown in the drawing, to support the feet, and another strap, long enough to go around the leg beneath the knee, is attached at the upper end, 2" from the top.

Sandpaper thoroughly and finish to suit.

A pole about seven feet long should be carried to balance and steady oneself.