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To keep himself in training, a British oarsman has a private tank just large enough for one oar. He sits in a stationary "boat" and sweeps the oar through the water as though in an actual race. The boat has a sliding seat, similar to those in the usual racing hull.

 

If spiders are busy spinning their webs, fair weather may be expected, but if they are resting, the fact is an indication of impending storms or wet weather, some naturalists say. The reason is that the spider, knowing that its prey will not be abroad during rains or other unfavorable conditions, does not trouble to make its nest at such times. but prepares it for catches during fair weather. Bees are able to tell approaching storms and in threatening intervals will not venture far from their hives. The noise of the screech owl at night is also claimed to be an indication of fair weather.

 



Designed especially for window display, a spiral tower for an electric toy train, permits continuous running in smaller space and adds to the interest in the operation. By means of transformers, the train ascends on a current of nine volts and comes down on five and one-half volts, in order to make sure that it will not run off the track. For home-play purposes. the outfit can be operated with but one transformer.

