What to draw and how to draw it

DRAWING OVALS AND ELLIPSES

Reading edition

Take note, first of all, of the difference between an ellipse and an oval.

The large plate explains the construction of an ellipse. It shows how to find the points where the three pins are placed that determine the size of the looped string. Be sure and make measurements accurately. Use a string that will not give, cotton thread is good for small ellipses, silk is too elastic. A suggestion to amateur gardeners: make elliptical flower beds this way.

The caution in regard to accuracy also applies to the making of the oval.

How to make an Ellipse DRAW TWO LINES CROSSING AT RIGHT ANGLES IN CENTER WITH COMPASSES MEASURE DISTANCE BA WITH CENTER C AND DISTANCE BA AS RADIUS INTERSECT LINE BD AT POINTS OF INTERSECTION E AND F PLACE PINS PLACE PIN AT C LOOP A STRING AROUND ALL THREE PINS TAKE OUT PIN AT C AND REPLACE WITH PENCIL POINT WITH STRING TAUT RUN THE PENCIL AROUND UNTIL ELLIPSE IS COMPLETED