| Magnifying glasses have two basic uses today. | | | | grass. |
| Firstly, they allow the user to see a larger image | | | | 5. Hold the magnifying glass over the dry leaves |
| when held between the object and the eye, and | | | | so that the bright shiny circle of light is at its |
| secondly as a concentrator of the suns rays for | | | | smallest, at the bottom of the pile of dry leaves. |
| heating and fire lighting purposes. It is the second | | | | (Incidentally, the distance from the dot to the |
| benefit that is outlined in this article - lighting a fire. | | | | glass is its focal length) |
| A note of caution, build fires where they are safe | | | | 6. The dry leaves will begin to smolder and |
| and not likely to get out of control and do not | | | | smoke, which will heat the other dry leaves until |
| use the magnifying glass to concentrate the suns | | | | combustion takes place. This may take some |
| rays onto your skin - it will burn severely. | | | | time, particularly if the leaves are not tinder dry. |
| Find a place where the fire can be lit and used | | | | Sometimes, it is necessary to fan the glowing fire |
| safely, this may mean that the area immediately | | | | to make it flame - use your hat or blow onto the |
| adjacent to the fire place (up to one meter) is | | | | smoldering fire. |
| cleaned of all dry matter. It is also a good idea to | | | | 7. Place the other dry grass over the flames, as |
| mark that actual fire-place with a circle of stones. | | | | well as the twigs and as they burn add larger |
| Make sure that the magnifying glass is clean, so | | | | pieces of wood until the fire is sufficient for the |
| that all the light is concentrated. | | | | need that it was intended. |
| 1. Collect some very dry leaves (a couple of | | | | If the above procedure is followed, fire can be |
| handfuls) and crush them to almost a powder. | | | | created, and enjoyed. A fire has been created |
| Some people will use soft paper, but if you are | | | | without a match! |
| out in the bush, collect the leaves. | | | | Any magnifying glass can produce this result, but |
| 2. Collect some dry grass, a few handfuls will be | | | | it stand to reason that a larger magnifying glass |
| sufficient to start. | | | | will probably make the job a little easier, if it |
| 3. Collect some small twigs, branches and other | | | | concentrates more sunlight. |
| timber, sufficient for the needs of this time. | | | | There is no reason that a one and a half inch |
| 4. Make a small pile with about half of the grass | | | | diameter plastic magnifying glass will create fire - |
| and place the crushed dry leaves on top of the | | | | it may take a little longer, be patient! |
