A good deal of fun can be obtained at "grown-up" parties by giving
marks to the various players, according to their merits, as set out in
some of the chapters of this book: then finding out who obtains the
highest score and adjudging him or her the champion of the evening.
The following details are suggested, but they may be, of course,
altered in any way as thought desirable:
_PALMISTRY._--First, every player's hand is examined, and the person
with the longest Marriage line is awarded five points. Those with
shorter lines are given four, three, two, one or no points, according
to the length of their Marriage lines.
The same process is then followed in the case of the Heart, Head and
Fate lines.
This accounts for a possible total of twenty marks.
_BUMPS._--Second, the players take it in turn to have certain of their
bumps read. For this, the chart of phrenology should be consulted and
a maximum of five points awarded for the best development of the bumps
numbered, on the chart, 2, 5, 6, 7 and 8.
This, also, accounts for a possible total of twenty marks.
_HANDWRITING._--Third, everybody is given a pen and paper, and asked
to write three or four lines of any passage, taken from a newspaper,
in the usual handwriting. Anyone who obviously disguises or distorts
his or her writing can be dealt a low mark. When all have finished the
papers are examined and assessed according to the hints printed under
the heading "Qualities Shown in Handwriting, Alphabetically Arranged."
The writing is tested for the following:
Accuracy, Generosity, Ingenuity, Logic and Wit. As the papers take a
little time to check, it is advisable for a helper to attend to them
while the next item is progressing.
If five marks are the highest awarded for each test, this will account
for a further twenty marks.
_THE ORACLE._--Fourth, turn to the Oracle on p. 138, and allow each
person to rotate the pencil and strike a number, the eyes being shut
during the performance.
Give ten points to the player with the lowest score and deduct one
point from ten for each successive score.
This will account for a possible total of ten points.
_THE ZODIAC WHEEL._--Fifth, the Zodiac Wheel is set up and each person,
before being blindfolded, states the month in which he or she was
born, and then asks a question. If the wheel answers "Yes," the player
receives ten points; if the reply is "probably yes," then the player is
awarded six points; while four points are given for the answer "there
is a fair chance."
Here the game may end or it may be continued, at will, by introducing
further items. If the program we outline is adhered to, the total of
possible marks is eighty.
[Illustration: No. 37.--The Wish-Bone of a chicken will provide some
good fun. Two rivals hold a tip with two fingers; but their fingers
must not grasp higher up the shank than indicated by the arrows. Then
they tussle to see who can snap off the larger part of the bone. The
winner frames a wish which, of course, is sure to be granted.]