or roof-rods, should extend a foot each way beyond the cabin, hence cut them two feet longer than the cabin, and after testing your uprights, to see that they are exactly plumb, nail the two side roof-rods in place (see dotted lines in Fig. 117). The cross-pieces at the ends, as they support no great weight, may be fitted between the two side-rods, and nailed there. [Illustration: FIG. 120.--Inside View of Door.] The roof is to be made of 1/2-inch boards bent into a curve, and the ridge-pole, or centre roof-rod, must have some support. This is obtained by two short pieces of 2-by-4, each 6 inches long, which are toe-nailed to the centre of each cross-rod, and the ridge-pole nailed to their tops. At 3 feet from the upper deck the side frame-pieces are toe-nailed to the uprights. As may be seen, there are three two-by-fours on each side (Fig. 117). The space between the side frame-pieces, the two middle uprights, and side roof-rods, is where the windows are to be placed. Use 1/2-inch (tongue and groove preferred) pine boards for sidings, and Box in your Cabin neatly, allowing space for windows on each side, as indicated. Leave the front open. Of the same kind of boards make your roof; the boards being light you can bend them down upon each side and nail them to the side roof-rods, forming a pretty curve, as may be seen in the illustration of the American boy’s house-boat. This Roof, to be finished neatly and made entirely water-proof, should be covered with tent-cloth or light canvas, smoothly stretched over and tacked upon the under side of the projecting edges. Three good coats of paint will make it water-proof and pleasant to look upon. [Illustration: FIG. 121.--Side-View of Door.] The description, so far, has been for a neatly finished craft, but I have seen very serviceable and comfortable house-boats built of rough lumber, in which case the curved roof, when they had one, had narrow strips nailed over the boards where they joined each other. To Contrive a Movable Front