The figure of a swan should be cut in cork, and within its beak a small
strongly magnetized piece of steel should be placed. The swan should
then be covered with a coating of white wax, and fashioned further into
the shape of a swan, and glass beads may be placed in its head for
eyes. This should be placed in a small tub or large basin of water, and
to make it swim about, you should place in a white stick about nine
inches long a magnetic bar, on which the north and south poles are
marked. If you wish to bring the swan towards you, present to him the
north pole of the wand, if you wish it to retire, present the south
pole, and thus you may direct the swan to any part you desire.