The most convenient and handy method of holding the rod is with the palms of the hands turned upward, and the two ends of the rod coming outward; the palms should be held horizontally as nearly as possible; the part of the rod in the hands ought to be straight, and not bent either backward or forward; the upper part of the arm should be kept pretty close to the sides, and the elbows resting on them, the lower part of the arm making nearly a right angle with the upper, though rather a little more acute; the rod ought to be so held that, in its working, the sides may move clear of the little fingers. The position of the rod, when properly held, is much like the following figure, (_see Fig. 3_,) where the distance between the four downward lines is the part supposed to be held in the hand. [Illustration: Fig. 3.] The best manner of carrying the rod is with the end prolaided in an angle of about eighty degrees from the horizon, as by this method of carrying, the repulsion is more plainly perceived than if it was held perpendicularly. But after all the directions that can be given, the adroit use of it can only be attained by practice. It is necessary that the grasp should be steady, for if, when the rod is going, there should be the least succession or counteraction in the hands, though ever so small, it will greatly impair, and generally totally prevent its activity, which is not to be done by the mere strength of the grasp, for provided this be steady, no strength can stop it. As soon as the person’s foremost foot comes near the attracting body, the end of the rod is repelled toward the face. (_See Fig. 4._) Then open the hands a little, replace the rod, and approach nearer, and the repulsion will be continued until the foot is on or over the attracting body. When this is the case, the rod will first be repelled a little, viz., two or three inches, and then be attracted toward it. [Illustration: Fig. 4.]