By the side of a pier-glass stand a lamp, and before both put a screen.
The one in charge stands in front, and having stated that he is ready
to exhibit his wild beasts to any one present who will not tell what he
has seen, asks who would like to come to the exhibition, all desiring
to, please rise. He then takes them in turn, always exacting the
promise of secrecy, and asks the name of the animal each would like to
see.
On learning the name, the showman describes the animal as funnily
as possible, making all manner of sport, and engaging every one’s
attention to the individual who is to go to the show. As for example,
if the person be a boy, and says he would like to see a lion, when the
boy laughs, the showman will say, “And the lion roars _just like you_.”
After this he is admitted, and sees himself in the looking-glass.