Practice a few times and you will soon be perfect. Several motions represent the likeness of the letter; as, one finger on the back of the hand is like L, two fingers like N, three like M. The fore finger to the middle joint of the other fore finger is like T; two fingers across is like X; likewise B, C, D, are easily remembered; one finger on the left thumb is B, two fingers C, three fingers D. But you must always remember to give a snap with the fingers between the words, so that your friend may distinguish one word from another. If you are in company, and think some others understand you, that you would not have, it will be necessary to change the vowels to some other part of the hand, and then none but your friend that knows it can understand you. Suppose you would say to a lady in a large company, “Madam, I am your humble servant.” It is done thus:
| Lay three fingers on the back of your hand | M |
| Put your finger to the end of your left thumb | A |
| Three fingers upon your left thumb | D |
| Your finger again to the thumb | A |
| Three fingers again to the back of your hand | M |
| And give a snap with your fingers as a sign the word is spelt. | |
| Then point to the end of your middle finger | I |
| Then snap your fingers. | |
| Then point to the end of your thumb | A |
| Three fingers on the back of your hand | M |
| Then snap your fingers. | |
| Then point to the palm of your left hand | Y |
| Then point to the end of your ring finger | O |
| Then point to the end of your little finger | U |
| Then link your little fingers together | R |
| Then snap your fingers. | |
| Stroke the palms of your hands together | H |
| Point to the end of your little finger | U |
| Put three fingers on the back of your hand | M |
| One finger on the thumb | B |
| One finger on the back of your hand | L |
| Point to the end of your fore finger | E |
| Then snap your fingers. | |
| Put the backs of your hands together | S |
| Point to the end of your fore finger | E |
| Link your little fingers together | R |
| Point to the end of your little finger | V |
| Point to the end of the thumb | A |
| Lay two fingers on the back of your hand | N |
| Point the fore finger to the middle joint of the other fore finger | T |
| Then snap your fingers. |
And thus you may discourse upon any subject; if you practice it often you will soon learn to do it very quick, even faster than you can write.
PREDICTIONS OF THE WEATHER, ATMOSPHERIC CHANGES, &c.
Should the horizon in the north wear a ruddy appearance in the evening, stormy and boisterous weather may be expected.
If the clouds in the south are ruddy in the evening, sunshiny and rainy weather will prevail for some time afterward.
When the face of the moon is partially obscured by a light, thin vapor, rain will shortly follow.
When the rays from the sun at midday are more than ordinarily dazzling, rainy weather will shortly succeed.