Test Mettle
(Mind and Body, Vol. II., No, 22, p. 200.)
Any number of pupils formed in two equal divisions on the opposite ends of the field can participate in this game requiring strength, skill and courage. A player called upon by his comrades advances to meet an adversary from the opposite field, who holds out his outstretched arm as a counter-challenge to hit him upon it. The challenge accepted (by striking with the open palm) the first player must either seek to return to his line by running or overpower his opponent by holding him to the ground. If he does not succeed in this, another from his side may advance to help him, another from the opposite side engaging in the fray and so on. No more than four pairs should be engaged at one time, in order to avoid confusion. Each time a prisoner is secured (overcome) the command "Halt" is heeded by both sides, the players returning to their respective goals. In all other respects the game is conducted the same as Prisoner's Base with the exception that all players running to the wrong (the enemy's) side, are regarded as deserters, who can be rescued as prisoners, or re-enter the play on their former side.
ATHLETIC FEATS
(Sports and Pastimes of American Boys.)
The Palm Spring
Performed by standing at a little distance from a wall with your face toward it and leaning forward until you are able to place the palm of your hand quite flat on the wall; you must then take a spring from the hand and recover your upright position without moving either of your feet. It is better to practice it first with the feet at a little distance only from the wall, increasing the space as you gradually attain greater proficiency in the exercise
