. 102). Be sure the clothespins,
when together, stand firm on the prong ends, for these form the legs and
feet of the chickens.

[Illustration: FIG. 102--Slide the prongs of two clothespins together.]

[Illustration: FIG. 103--Tie a piece of raw cotton over the head of one
clothespin.]

With a string tie a piece of raw cotton over the head of one clothespin;
have the string tight, but the cotton cover rather loose. Bring the
cotton partly down the clothespin and tie it again (Fig. 103); then use
your fingers to shape the top cotton into the form of a rooster's head;
gently pull a little of it out to make the beak; tie a string around the
beak where it joins the head, and, with thumb and finger slightly
dampened, twist the end of the beak into a point (Fig. 104). Cotton
which comes in sheets is best for the tail, but the other will do. Lay
the centre of a generous piece of cotton over the head of the second
clothespin, plait the loose ends around the pin, and fasten with a
string, making the edge of the tail in a line with the opening of the
prongs of the pin. Cut the folded end rounded on top, and slit it up a
short distance into wide fringe to form the long feathers of the
rooster's tail (Fig. 104).

[Illustration: FIG. 104--Pull a little of the cotton out to make a
beak.]

[Illustration: FIG. 105--A fine little rooster that will move his little
head.]

With another piece of cotton cover the back and sides of the rooster, as
you would put a saddle on a horse. Bring the edges of the cover together
down the neck and body; when fitted lift the cover, put paste here and
there on its under side near the edge, replace the cover and it will
stick fast; then, with the top of a wire hairpin, push the edges of the
cover, front and back, in between the open prongs of the clothespin. Ink
round bits of paper and paste on the rooster for eyes; make his comb and
wattles of red tissue paper (Fig. 105), and you will have a fine rooster
which can actually

=Move His Little Cotton Head=

up and down, fast or slow, as you wish. To make him do so, hold the
front leg steady with your left hand, while with your right hand you
raise and lower the other leg. Try it, and see how naturally the little
fellow appears to pick up corn in an eager, hungry manner.

[Illustration: FIG. 106--The little hen.]

[Illustration: FIG. 107--Making a downy little lamb out of a
clothespin.]

Fashion the hen in the same way you made the rooster,