Old-fashioned, moth-proof chests, made of red cedar, have become quite popular in recent years. These may be made very attractive, and are often used in the bedroom as seats. While the dimensions for the chest here given are for a good average size, it would be well before proceeding with the construction to consult personal requirements and make any necessary alterations. The interior may be provided with a tray, as in a trunk, divided into as many compartments as desired.

The greatest difficulty in constructing a chest of this sort is in gluing up boards for the wide top and sides. If wide pieces of lumber can be obtained, by slightly modifying the dimensions of the chest so as to make use of them, a great deal of work may be avoided. After trimming up all the pieces except the top, cut the curves on the lower edges of the front and ends. Set up with glue and finishing nails, the heads of which should be set deeply and afterward puttied. The corners may be mounted with brass, copper or even galvanized iron painted black. The necessary strips of metal should be carefully bent between boards and attached with large-headed nails of a finish which will harmonize well with whatever metal has been used for the angles.

The under side of the top should be reenforced by nailing on half-inch strips around the four sides so that when the cover is down it will fit closely into the chest.

The hinges are of the butt type set inside. For ornamentation a pair of imitation ones of the same metal as the corner angles may be used on the outside. The lock and lifting handles should be of the same finish as the other trimmings. The old copper finish wears well and is good looking, and dull brass and wrought iron would also be attractive for the metal trimmings on the chest.

The mill-bill has been omitted in this case because of the possible modification in size which may be necessary to make the chest meet personal requirements.