PROJECTS 583 



Turn the thong of the bow once around the drill. If the thong 

 is of the right length, it will now be taut. * 



Set one point of the drill into the pit near the point of the notch 

 of the fire-block, fit the upper end into the hand-socket, and with 

 your left hand hold the drill perpendicular to the block. Anchor 

 the fire-block with your left foot, and steady your left hand by 

 resting your left wrist against your left shin. This is to enable 

 you to keep the drill steadily in an upright position (Figure 9) . 



Now with the right hand draw the bow slowly and steadily back 

 and forth the full length of the thong, pressing lightly on the hand- 

 socket. Keep the bow horizontal, and do not touch the drill with 

 it as you saw back and forth. The twirling motion of the drill soon 

 makes it bite into the block, boring out powdered wood. When 

 it begins to smoke, put a little more pressure on the socket and drill 

 faster. When the dust comes out in a compact mass and the smoke 

 increases to a considerable volume, you probably have the spark. 



Carefully lift the fire-block so as to leave the smoking powder 

 undisturbed on the chip. Gently fan this with your hand into a 

 bright glow. Then put a wad of tinder gently over the glowing 

 powder and blow until the tinder bursts into flame. Follow this 

 with the kindling and your fire is started. 



N. B. If you are left-handed, you will probably reverse the 

 directions for employing the right and left hands. 



PROJECT XVIII. How to Make Fire with Flint and Steel, 

 page 73 



It is much easier to make fire with flint and steel than to pro- 

 duce a rubbing-stick fire. Flint and steel and even tinder fuse may 

 be bought of dealers in camping outfits. Many lighting devices 

 for pocket use are based on the principle of striking fire from flint 

 with steel. 



But neither the flint and steel nor the tinder have to be pur- 

 chased. Any piece of steel and any piece of quartz or hornstone 

 or flint may be made to serve your purpose. If you want to be sure 

 of having "punk" that will be sure to catch the spark, soak pieces 



