Trial of the Thumb
Place the inside of the thumb against a wall or the edge of a table, being careful that neither of the fingers nor the palm of the hand touch it; next move your feet as far back as you possibly can, and then take a spring from the thumb and recover your standing position without shifting your feet forward. It greatly facilitates the spring if you rock yourself to and fro three or four times before you take it; and it is best to begin, as in the "palm spring," with the feet at a little distance from the table, increasing the "trial" of the thumb by degrees.
The Finger Feat
Place your hands horizontally across and close to your breast and put the tips of your forefingers together; another player should then endeavor to separate them by pulling at each arm; but if you hold them firmly in the manner described, he will be unable to achieve it, although he may be much bigger and stronger than you. It is not proper for the second player to use sudden or violent jerks in his attempts; he must employ only a steady, regular pull.
Prostrate and Perpendicular
Cross your arms on your body, lie down on your back and then get up again without using either your elbows or hands in doing so.
Knuckle Down
Consists in placing the toes against a line chalked on the floor, kneeling down and getting up again without using the hands or moving the feet from the line.
The Tantalus Tricks
Desire a player to stand with his back close to the wall, then place a piece of money on the floor at a little distance in front of him and tell him he shall have it if he can pick it up without moving his heels from the wall. It will be found impossible,
