The person who acts as the fortune-teller, must always bend his or her thoughts upon him or her who is to have their fortune told, and on their rank in life, and profession, in order to give plausibility to the predictions. It is not to be expected that upon taking up the cup, the figures will be accurately represented as they are in reality, but it will be quite sufficient if they bear some resemblance to any of the emblems; and the more fertile the fancy is of the person that inspects the cup, the more he or she will discover in it. In other respects, every one who takes a pleasure in this amusement, must be a judge under what circumstances he or she is to make changes in point of time—speaking, just as it suits, in the present, the past, or the future; in the same manner, their ingenuity ought to direct them when to speak more or less pointedly with regard to sex. THE ROADS, or separate lines, indicate ways; if they are covered with clouds, and, consequently, in the thick, they are said to be infallible marks, either of many great or future reverses. But if they appear in the clear and serene, are the surest token of some fortunate change near at hand; encompassed with many points or dots, they signify either a gain of money, or long life. THE RING signifies marriage; if a letter is near it, it denotes to the person that has their fortune told, the initial of the name of the party to be married. If the ring is in the clear, it portends happy and lucrative friendship; if surrounded with clouds, the contrary. But if the ring appear at the bottom of the cup, it forebodes the probability of a separation. THE LEAF OF CLOVER is, as well here as in common life, a lucky sign. Its different position in the cup alone makes the difference; because, if it be on the top, it shows that the good fortune is not far distant; but it is subject to delay, if it be in the middle or at the bottom. Should clouds surround it, it shows that many disagreeables will attend the good fortune; in the clear, it prognosticates serene and undisturbed happiness. THE ANCHOR. The emblem of hope and commerce, implies successful business carried on by water and by land, if on the bottom of the cup; at the top and in the clear part, it shows constant love and fidelity; but in thick and cloudy parts, it denotes inconstancy. THE SERPENT, always the emblem of falsehood and enmity, is likewise here a general sign of an enemy. On the top or in the middle of the cup, it promises to the consulting party that by his always acting properly, his enemies will not be able to triumph over him; if in the thick or cloudy part, he must watch his temper and actions very carefully, to prevent great troubles.