On a table, at the back, rear a grove of trees cut out of pasteboard,
and with moss gummed on for foliage. Near each side make two doors, and
leave the table-top free on the segment of a circle. The rest of this
circle is imaginarily described on the other part of the table. A fox,
several huntsmen and dogs, made of iron, are placed in the grove, from
which they issue and frantically course round back under cover, as if
animated with the most frantic spirit.
The chase is suspended at any point in the course, at will of the
magician.
_Explanation._—Under the table is a wheel, moved by clockwork, the outer
rim of which corresponds with the imaginary circle above in
circumference. A strong magnet is attached to the edge, which attracts
the iron toys.
Instead of a hunt, a ship sailing under two Colossi of Rhodes, or into
two harbours defended by forts, a duck or swan coming out at the call
(the water being represented by looking-glass), a dog rushing out of one
house and retiring rapidly, when you say, _à la_ clown, “I’ll tell your
mother!” into another—these and many other subjects are easily
contrived.
[Illustration: Fig. 114.]