The method of recording these figures has been fully described by Dr W. H. R. Rivers and myself in Man,1 where a dozen Melanesian examples are given. I here repeat the sections of that paper which deal with the terminology and manipulation: We employ the term string figures in those cases in which it is intended to represent certain objects or operations. The cat's cradle of our childhood belongs to this category. Tricks are generally knots or complicated arrangements of the string which run out freely when pulled. Sometimes it is difficult to decide which name should be applied. A piece of smooth, pliable string should be selected which is not liable to kink. A length of about 6 ft. 6 in. (2 meters) is usually the most suitable; the ends should be tied in a reef knot, and the ends trimmed. A spliced, knotless string would be best of all.2 Terminology. A string passed over a digit is termed a loop. A loop consists of two strings. Anatomically, anything on the thumb aspect of