lanterns, brackets and lamps the course furnishes a complete, flexible series of exercises which gradually increase in difficulty and complexity. There is something particularly human in the work of the forge, and its articles when artistically designed and skillfully wrought are always in demand when aesthetic effects are desired. No machine-made hardware can take the place of forged trimmings in giving pleasing effects to articles of household furniture. They always suggest enduring strength, and can be exactly adapted to the particular place and function for which they are intended.

The work of the fourth quarter consists of exercises on sheet metal. Though not equal to forging in its educative value, it has many points of merit especially as it requires skill in constructive design.

The last number of this series will contain, along with tables of fourth-year work, a discussion of industrial education in its relation to the high school.

P

CHARLES R. RICHARDS.

ROBLEM IV. The proportions of a box are of course determined largely by the nature of its intended use-its contents

and the place it is to occupy. In the case of small boxes, such as those often made in schools, it is nevertheless generally possible to adjust the relative dimensions within a greater or less margin without affecting the functional result.

The fundamental form effect of a box, or chest or table or any other piece of furniture, is first a matter of the proportions of the front or commonly seen view and then the relation of this outline or mass to the other views of which one or both are generally seen in conjunction with the first. Here as in the wainscot or door panels an agreeable effect is gained by a harmonious relation of spaces accompanied by variation in form. A box with a square end is not as pleasing as one with varied dimensions, not only because of lack of interest in the end view but because of the sameness in top and front views.

In the case of a box resting on a table, bureau or desk, the relation of the top and front views is evidently of the most consequence. The proportions of the end however are important not only in connection with the other views but on account of the influence these proportions exert upon stability of appearance and consequent restfulness of effect. These qualities are often lost by making our boxes too high in proportion to their depth.

The Japanese with their endless variety of boxes for all manner of purposes are very happy in this matter and turn out countless specimens that seem quite independent of surface ornament for their charm.

For the sake of concreteness this problem is given as the design of a 'The first article in this series was published in the December number.

box for some specific purpose such as a glove box, a jewelry casket or a box for drawing instruments with a definite cubic capacity. Students designs are shown in Figures 15 to 17.

FIGURE 15.

FIGURE 16.

FIGURE 17.

Problem V. This problem deals with the design of a small box suitable for pencils or brushes with overhanging cover and bottom piece. The special elements in the problem are the thickness of the top and bottom pieces and the amount of overhang.

It is apparent from a comparison of cornice and roof projections in Greek temples and other low buildings and in those of modern office buildings that the amount of overhang in these features is a matter of

relation to the height and width of structure-the long low building demanding shallow far projecting eaves and the tall office building a high but relatively narrow cornice.

FIGURE 18.

FIGURE 19.

These features perform the same aesthetic function as the overhanging edges of a simple box and although it seems a far cry from such a structure to a classic temple the proportions of the latter may be studied

FIGURE 20.

FIGURE 21.

with much profit in this connection. By comparing the effect of equal projections on the front and end views of a long and narrow box the above form relation will be very evident. When there is much differ

FIGURE 22.

ence in the width of the two views a projection suitable for the front will almost invariably be too great for the end.

Variation of overhang is a refinement rarely attempted in small boxes and one that is practically not important because the box is seldom seen directly on end but the comparative study of the two views serves a useful purpose in bringing out the relation of overhang to the primary form.

In the case of tables, however, where the amount of overhang both front and side is an important item in the effect the desirability of variation is generally recognized and in long tables the projection of the top at the ends is almost always greater than at the sides.

FIGURE 23.

Problem VI. This problem considers the modification of the square edges of the previous box by mouldings suitable for soft wood and for such a simple piece of construction. It is evident that such modifications to be appropriate must be very simple. It is also evident that the treat

FIGURE 24.

ment of the cover should be in harmony with that of the base and yet not simple duplication. Various combinations made up of simple chamfered and rounded edges are possible and a few of these are illustrated by the designs shown in Figures 20-22.

In Figure 20 the attempt has been made to secure unity through equal depths of chamfer with a result rather formal and rigid for such a small box. In Figure 21 harmony is sought by employing equal