FIG. 5.—HALF-NELSON—NO HELP FOR HIM.
The buttock hold is a more difficult matter, but probably the most serviceable one for self-defence in an unsought contest. It is begun very much like the cross-buttock, except that you get your hip further under your opponent, and then bending over, with a powerful jerk on your arm about his neck, you shoot him into the air and over your back. It requires quickness and some strength.
There are of course a number of emergencies in which it is best to drop to the floor, and in this case the first principle that should always be observed is to keep your arms spread well apart (Fig. 2), in order to prevent your opponent from getting a farther arm and leg hold (Fig. 3). The next thing to do—or really it should be the first—is to keep the opponent from securing the half-nelson and back-hammer, as the top man is shown to be doing in Fig. 4. A hold of this kind means a certain fall.
Another important principle to observe is to keep the head well back, so that in case you are called on to spin out of a quarter or a half-nelson you will be able to bridge. One of the most eagerly sought-for holds among wrestlers is the half-nelson (Fig. 5); when this is secured, the lucky man rises to his feet, and stepping forward, falls on his prostrate opponent to keep him from forming a bridge.
The principal thing to keep in mind in wrestling is always to watch for an opening. Practice will soon teach you to guess your opponent's intentions by his movements. Always seek an opportunity to get away, for you are at a disadvantage when underneath. These are but a few suggestions toward this most interesting and valuable sport, for any amount of description might be written about the many holds and tricks of the game. The real knowledge of them is only to be obtained from practice, and the man who wishes to become a skilful wrestler must work daily and conscientiously in the gymnasium, and he will be surprised to see how very soon he will obtain a certain skill, quickness, and proficiency of which he had never even dreamed himself capable.
"TRACK ATHLETICS IN DETAIL."—Illustrated.—8vo, Cloth, Ornamental, $1.25.
The Graduate.
THE KEY TO AN ASTRONOMICAL PUZZLE.
The "Man in the Moon." A certain fair Virgin (sixth sign of zodiac). Asked her Mar's permission. The bridemaids, Berenice (Berenice's Hair, Northern constellation) and Andromeda (Northern constellation). For groomsmen, Castor and Pollux (third sign of zodiac). The bride sat in Cassiopeia's chair (Northern constellation). On the menu, deviled Crab (fourth sign of zodiac), Fishes (Pisces, twelfth sign of zodiac). Water-carrier, Aquarius (eleventh sign of zodiac). Had a game of Fox and Geese (Northern constellation). The bride played Lyra (the harp, Northern constellation). Harnessed Pegasus to Charles's Wain (in Ursa Major), and set off on the route known as the "Milky Way," in search of the lost Pleiad. Drink from the little and the big Dipper. Barked at by the great Dog (Canis Major, Southern constellation). Butted by a vicious Ram (first sign of zodiac). Chased by a Bull (Taurus, second sign of zodiac). Met by a roaring Lion (Leo, fifth sign of zodiac). Being a fine Archer (Sagittarius), slew him with an Arrow (Sagitta, Northern constellation). Encountered a great grizzly Bear (Ursa Major) and a little one (Ursa Minor). The tip of his tail, the north star. Reached the north pole. Bears the dancers. The trail of the Serpent (Northern constellation). Eccentric as a comet. Flying off in a tangent. Borrowed Light (Old Sol). Weighed in Balance (seventh sign of zodiac). The most beautiful of the planets, Venus. Totally Eclipsed. Morning and evening Star. Labors of Hercules (Northern constellation). Overdose of Mercury. Scorpion (eighth sign of zodiac). Fate of Egyptian queen Cleopatra.