pages: practicalmagicia00harr.pdf, 71
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practicalmagicia00harr.pdf | 71 | THE PRACTICAL MAGICIAN. 61 The amateur will do well to select the simpler tricks for his first attempts, and never pretend to exhibit even those withont having frequently and diligently practised them. He must mako up his resolution to train his hands to the passes, and to the several manœuvres in the tricks, as diligently as young ladies train their fingers to the keys of the piano. And let them not be discouraged if they feel awkward and nervous at first. Some of the best conjurors have candidly con- fessed their early failings and misgivings With practice and perseverance this will, in most cases, wear off. I would angur that, if they feel an interest in the art, and a desire to excel in it, they will most probably secure a measure of success that will amply repay their efforts. TRICK 25.-Thc Conjuror's "Bonus Genius," or Familiar Messenger. This is an old trick that has delighted thousands, and may amuse thousands more, if adroitly performed. There are only the simplest mechanical arrangements connected with it ; its successful exhibition depends upon the dexterity and vivacity of the performer. PREPARATION. You must have a strong wooden doll, about eight or ten inches high the head must fix on or off by a peg at the bottom of the throat, being placed in a hole made at the too of the bust. Bo- sides a close-fitting dress to its body, a large, loose, fantastic cloak must be placed round the whole figure, but must be so ar- ranged as to allow the head to be pushed down throngh the part of the cloak that covers the bust, and an elastic pocket must be neatly made inside the cloak to receive and retain the head. Having the above apparatus ready, you may commence by saying: " Allow me, ladies and gentlemen, to introduce my learned friend and assistant-indefatigable in traveling to the most dis- tant parts on any message I may wish to send him. He used to be recognized by early conjurors as their Bonus Genius-their good familiar spirit. But, whatever his special title, he is gifted with the art of rendering himself visible or invisible, as he feels disposed, while he travels to distant countries. Allow me to call your attention to the solid frame and un- flinching nerves, at any.rate to the vell-seasoned constitution of my friend. [Rap him loudly, rap, lap, rap, on the table. The raps he received during his education doubtless accustomed him to bear much without flinching. Though his travels have ranged |