This combination desk and book rack is another piece of furniture that is especially well adapted to the needs of the student. It can readily accommodate a library of two hundred books, and at the same time affords all the advantages of a small writing desk. The construction is unusually simple.

All the lumber except the back boards is one inch thick. All connections may be made with wire finishing nails, the heads of which are carefully and deeply set, and then puttied over. (It might be well to remark that putty will not adhere to new wood unless the place to be puttied is first oiled.) The construction should start with the two ten-inch end boards, each one of which should have a little block glued on at the forward bottom corner so as to provide sufficient material to form the slightly projecting feet. Take due care to have all edges perfectly flat, and square with the sides. The amateur will often find it much easier to produce a flat edge when two boards are temporarily joined and worked up together. When these are ready, accurately mark off the position of the shelves. Next proceed with the two boards that form the sides of the desk cabinet, and work them up in a similar manner excepting that these pieces have no projecting feet. The two long top boards are next in order and should be gotten out exactly the same length and trimmed perfectly square. The upper one is a half inch wider than the one below it as the backing does not extend up that far. Next get out the eight shorter shelves, and then proceed with the putting together. Build up the two sets of shelves separately and then connect them with the two long top boards. The exact length of the desk board can now be determined. To secure this in position fasten one inch strips to the sides of the two vertical boards, and then screw the desk board to these with screws set in from underneath. A two and a half inch strip should then be placed underneath to support the overhanging portion. The back boards should be of about half inch stuff and may be attached with wire nails. Any desired arrangement of shelves or pigeon holes for stationery can be placed inside. Each door should be of but one piece and attached with long strap hinges of suitable finish.