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GRAND, OR STAGE MAGIC
PREPARATION--WHERE, AND TO WHOM, TO GIVE ARTICLES TO BE HELD--ON THE PUNISHMENT OFMEDDLERS--ON THE REPETITION OF TRICKS--REHEARSING--"PATTER"--ADDRESS --IMPERTINENCE AND AUDACITY--ON PLAYING THE BUFFOON
CHAPTER X.
THE TABLE AND DRESS.
THE TABLE : ITS HEIGHT--THE BODY--THE SHELF--THE LEGS -- VANISHING AND CHANGING TRAPS -- ON USELESS MECHANICAL ARRANGEMENTS -- SIDE TABLES -- HOW TO PASS ARTICLES DOWN TRAPS: VARIOUS METHODS -- THE DRESS: POCKETS -- THE VEST--HOW TO COMMENCE--INTRODUCTORY TRICKS.
Introductory Tricks.--Besides, by means of the few words the performer addresses the company before commencing, it is quite in order that he should introduce himself to the spectators magically; that is to say, give them at once some little evidence of his skill, without any formality of explanation. A well-used trick for this purpose is that of causing a flower to appear instantaneously at the button-hole. Just as the performer is about to step forward, he perceives that he has forgotten his flower, but explains that the omission is very soon rectified, as he notices a bouquet in the hands of a lady, or some flowers in a coiffure, or about a costume. Asking permission, and taking it at once, the wand is waved in the direction of the visible flowers, and the button-hole then touched with it, when instantly a flower appears. The flower is an imitation one, and is attached to a piece of elastic, which passes through the button-hole, and inside through the one next below, so that it may be fastened to a vest button, or elsewhere. When the performer comes on, the flower is concealed under the left armpit; so that, when the button-hole is touched with the wand, all that is necessary is to raise the arm slightly, when the flower, being released, flies instantly into position.
Another common, but very effective, practice is to come on the stage with the gloves on. As they are taken off the hands, they melt away, apparently, for nothing more is ever seen of them. Elastic is again at the bottom of this, one end passing round the wrist of the glove, whilst the other is fastened round the biceps of the arm, or attached to the brace. The glove is removed, care being taken not to let it slip too soon, and, when held between the two palms, is allowed to go, when it flies, unperceived, up the sleeve. The performer must not dwell at all upon the fact that he is doing anything magical, but act as though his gloves were merely performing their usual evolutions on being taken off for the day.