If players of the piano and the violin should object that, in the act of _playing_, the fingers need not be as much extended as prescribed here, or assert that the finger-exercises, scales, and _études_ as at present used are perfectly sufficient, and that nothing more is wanted, I can only repeat, that the fingers must be _prepared_ in order to render them strong and flexible; that, for this purpose, it is necessary to exercise them _gymnastically_, and that, as I have explained before, these preparatory exercises will save much time and trouble, and facilitate the work of both teachers and pupils; _further_—that, by the diligent practice of these gymnastics, the fingers become elastic and independent of each other; you acquire thereby complete control over them, and _when you have done this_, you can move them and do with them as _you will_. ANOTHER MOST EFFECTIVE mode of stretching and loosening the tendons and ligaments which encompass the large middle-hand bones, or “knuckles,” may be performed as follows: Place the forefinger of each hand, up to the middle joint, firmly on the table, and in that position press it up and down with a certain degree of force, for a few seconds; then withdraw it, and apply the next finger in a precisely similar manner; then the two other fingers in succession, each finger remaining on the table alone, unaccompanied by any other. Afterwards apply the 2nd and 4th _together_, exactly in the same way, for a few seconds; then the 3rd and 5th; lastly the thumb. The pupil may do this many times a day with great advantage; for by this process the ligaments and tendons of the knuckles are stretched and loosened, and the muscles are set free. Of course always with due moderation. ANOTHER VERY IMPORTANT exercise, bearing chiefly on the tendons and ligaments of the large metacarpal joints or knuckles, is the following: With the thumb and forefinger of the one hand take hold of one finger of the other hand, and shake it up and down, for one minute, to its root. Then take the other fingers in succession in like manner. To be applied equally to both hands, and to be done, especially with the 4th and 5th fingers separately, as often as leisure permits. * * * * * To this category belongs also ANOTHER EXERCISE of the metacarpal joints or knuckles. Into the palm of one outstretched hand place the closed fingers or fist of the other: then open and close the _latter_ as fast and as long a time as is agreeable, always continuing to press upon the palm. Change hands and repeat. Ever remember that the difficulties of bringing the fingers into order lie, physiologically, almost all in the middle-hand bones or knuckles; and as the five preceding exercises,—and especially the three last,—act in a very efficient and special manner upon the ligaments, tendons, and muscles of these and the other joints of the fingers, they _cannot be made too often_. CHAPTER XIII.