practiced with a throwing-stick somewhat, I have imagined also that
there was a certain amount of leverage acquired by the particular method
of holding the stick and straightening the arm, as in a toggle joint.
That implement, which seems so simple, and which is usually mentioned
and dismissed in a word, possesses several marks or organs, which help
to distinguish the locality in which each form occurs, as well as to
define the associations of the implement as regards the weapon thrown
from it and the game pursued. These marks are:

1. Shape, or general outline in face and side view, and size.

2. Handle, the part grasped in the hand.

3. Thumb-groove or thumb-lock, provision for the firm and comfortable
insertion of the phalanx and ball of the thumb.

4. Finger-grooves, provision for each finger according to its use in the
manipulation of the implement.

5. Finger-pegs, little plugs of wood or ivory to give more certain grip
for the fingers and to prevent their slipping. The devices for the
fingers are the more necessary where the hands are cold and everything
is covered with grease.

6. Finger-tip cavities, excavations on the front face of the implement,
into which the tips of the three last fingers descend to assist in
grasping and to afford a rest on the back of these fingers for the
weapon shaft.

7. Index-finger cavity or hole, provision for the insertion of the index