pages: latestmagicbeing00hoff.pdf, 221
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latestmagicbeing00hoff.pdf | 221 | THE USE OF THE WAND 205 produced. There is much virtue in what may be called a magical atmosphere, and after the wizard has proved his magical power by performing two or three apparent impossibilities, the mind of the spectator (though in his calmer moments, he knows, or should know, better), is led to adopt in a greater or less degree the solution "forced" upon him by the conjurer. Habitual use of the wand, with apparent seriousness, goes far to create the desired atmosphere. A good effect may be produced by "electrifying" the wand now and then, by rubbing it with a hand- kerchief. The main uses of electricity are so widely known, and so little understood by the mil- lion, that they are quite ready to give it credit for still more marvellous possibilities. My friend Mr. Holt Schooling, mentioned in connection with The Secret of the Pyramids, finds an additional use for the wand. He uses, not one only, but half a dozen, of different appearance, each credited with some special magical virtue. At the outset of his show these are arranged horizontally, one above another on pins projecting from a small sloping blackboard. For each fresh trick the wand professedly appropriate to it is brought into action, the one last used being at the same time replaced on the stand. The spectators do not sus- pect that behind each top corner of the board is a small servante, enabling the performer, under cover of the change of wands, to change a pack of |