SUNDIAL SECTIONS:

Sundials Home

History of Sundials

Why the Sun Dial keeps time

Developing and Making Sundials

Sundial Materials

Sundial Hour Lines Lay out

Sundial "Furniture"

Declination Lines of Sundials

Portable Sundials

Interesting Sundials of the World

HOW TO DESIGN AND MAKE A SUNDIAL - Page 4

An interesting example of symbolic fitness is shown in Figure 14. This sundial was designed by a man of literary habit, who owns a stone cabin in (yes, in) Seneca Lake, New York. Here is what he says about it "This sundial is to be made of sandstone and set into the wall of a rock cabin which I am building as a sort of `island' just off the shore cliffs of Seneca Lake with its foundations resting solidly on a submerged stratum of Devonian rock. Because of the high cliffs immediately to the westward, the sun sets here at noon and the sundial is therefore provided with morning hours alone." The hearty welcome "Good Morning" doubtless alludes to cheeriness within despite the presence of the sinister spider, while the biblical quotation in the panel below the sundial refers to the situation of the cabin among the waves and on a solid rock foundation. Another stone, on which has been carved the corrections for standard time, is to be placed in the wall of the cabin, near the sundial. We give this sundial a four star rating. The design of a sundial should include its support. Treat the sundial and its support or pedestal as a structure. Have the various parts gnomon, sundial plate, etc., blend into each other so that nothing about the whole will seem incongruous. The first step in making a sundial is to determine what kind of a sundial will best fit the place where it is to be set up, and the kind that will best serve your purpose. The second step is to design the sundial and its support by sketching it on paper, Figure 15. Incorporate in the sketch only those things which are necessary. Save time. Do not put in too much detail at first. When the general outline in sketch form has been approved, roughly work up your layout at full size, Figure 16, and add more detail.

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