Any mother will appreciate having an enclosure of this kind so that she can place the baby in it with a feeling of security. Simply place a large rug on the lawn, under a shady tree, then set up this collapsible enclosure, carefully fastening the sections together at the corners, and the child can romp around to its heart's content, without coming to any harm. It need not necessarily be used outdoors, for it makes an ideal place for the child to play in when set up in the house. Given some toys, the child will remain amused for hours.

This enclosure is made in four sections of about 4' 0" long and 2' 0" high. You will need eight pieces of wood 7/8"x13/4"x4' 0" and 1/2" dowels for the spindles, besides the two pair of strap hinges and four screw hooks and eyes.

Method Of Procedure

Step No. 1: Cut out eight pieces of wood, such as pine, white wood and the like, to 7/8"x13/4"x4' 0". Four of these pieces should be rounded off along the top edge.

Step No. 2: Cut enough 1/2" dowels (round rods which you can purchase from the local lumber dealer or hardware store), so that they can be spaced about 3" apart.

Step No. 3: Lay out where the holes are to be bored, on the under side of the top pieces, and the upper side of the bottom pieces. Be sure that the holes line up.

Step No. 4: Bore 1/2" holes in both the top and bottom pieces, not quite through the wood.

Step No. 5: Use a prepared cold glue and securely glue all dowels in place. If you were careful to bore all holes the same depth and have cut all dowels the same length, you will experience no trouble in getting the section square and of the same size.

Step No. 6: Hinge together two sets of sections and put screw hooks and eyes on the other corners.

Step No. 7: Finish this project by applying at least two coats of oil paint; three would be more satisfactory. Use a cheerful color, such as yellow or orange, or a good blue.

If you prefer, build a wooden platform to set this pen on in place of using a rug. Such a platform should be made out of 1/2 tongue and grooved lumber and nailed to three cross pieces. You can obtain this lumber from your local lumber dealer. This platform or floor should be made about 6" larger in both directions than the pen when set up.

If a floor or platform is used, provision must be made for fastening the pen to the floor so that it will not slip out of position.