This figure is worked after the same plan. But it has been superseded
for magicians by the “Spirit Drum.”
_Performance._—If the machine can play but one tune, the following trick
is devised to make it seem that it plays at will any one of twelve airs.
Twelve blocks are shown to the company, on which are written the titles
of as many airs for the flute or drum. These are put into a bag, and any
one in the company is allowed to insert his hand and draw out one at
random, the music on which the automaton will play. The bag is double,
and the part where the hand is thrust contains twelve blocks, like the
others, except that all have the same named tune on them.
[Illustration]
TRICKS WITH CARDS, DICE, DOMINOES, &c.
[Illustration]
As the deceptions performed by sleight of hand at cards rely,
notwithstanding their variety, on only a few easily acquired movements,
and these have been fully explained, with illustrative diagrams, in “The
Secret Out,” we do not repeat the revelation, in all cases, of these
processes.
The tricks immediately following are quite innocent, and may be
performed in any private circles. We have thought it advisable to append
an exposure of the devices by which gamblers or any persons who cheat
their associates and strangers, deceive the inexperienced.
The conjuror always warns the company that his exhibitions of dexterity,
are meant to delude the inattentive and untaught, so that he can do no
harm and occasion no loss.