The accompanying illustrations show how to make a small writing table. The timber used may be common deal, in boards 4 1/2 in. wide and 3/4 in. thick; 56 ft. will be sufficient. Saw seven lengths for the back, 3 ft. 6 in. long, and twelve lengths, six for each side, 2 ft. long. The sides and hack may now be either nailed or dovetailed together. Dovetailing is best, but it is the more difficult to do. If nailing is resorted to, four uprights should be obtained, l1/2 in. by 1 1/2 in. by 2ft. 1 1/2 in., and one placed in each corner, so that the boards may be nailed to them. When this has been clone, fix the board in front (I), Fig. 1). and then nail ledges, level with the bottom of this board, each side and along the hack to support the bottom of the desk. The bottom may then he put on, but the wood for this need be only 3/8 in. thick (an old egg case will do). Then the sloping pieces (Fig. 2) should be cut ; these should be cut out of one piece. When these have been fixed on to the back and sides, the lid should he got ready; it should measure 2ft. 7 1/2in. by 1ft. 7 1/2in., so that it will leave tin. projection each side and 1/2in. in front. Put the catch of the lock on the lid, and fasten the lid with hinges to the 5-in. board, then secure it to the sides and hack. The supports for the shelf C (Fig. 1) should be cut as shown. When the shelf has been cut to the required length, 2 ft. 6 1/4in., it should be let into the shaped sides 1/8 in., and nailed. This may now he fixed on to the top of the desk as shown in Fig. 1, and as there is |-in. projection at each end, the nails or screws should be driven upward. The top part of the shelf can he used for books, etc., and underneath pigeon-holes can be made, if desirable. Now fit in the lock, cut out the keyhole, fill up all joints, etc., with putty, and rub all over the table with glasspaper, and it is ready for staining.

Fig. 1. Fig. 2. How To Make a Cheap Writing Table.