Sample of the art of magic from conjuring arts

The A rt of Magic as at first, when the cards were actually palm ed; and if the simulation is carried out (this effect should be practiced before a looking-glass) the illusion is perfect. The right hand may now grasp the lapel of the coat, or, better still, take the wand from under the left arm, and, touching the left hand, show that the cards have vanished. The cards may be reproduced in any manner the performer prefers — from the left elbow, from behind the right knee, from the left heel, or from a spectator’s whiskers or nose. The reproduction, it is unnecessary to add, should be in the form of a fan. Perhaps the most artistic method of repro­ ducing a pack of cards, however, is from the vest; and the effective and very simple sleight by which the cards are intro­ duced under the garment has never been explained, to the best of our knowledge, in a treatise on magic. Hold the right hand against the abdomen and insert the thumb under the vest. Hold the thumb rigidly against the inside of vest and turn the hand over so that palm faces audience. The simple movement of turn­ ing the hand introduces the cards under the vest, from which they may be slowly produced, a few at a time.

The following is an effective vanish for a half dozen cards.

The cards, which are first exhibited fanwise, are bunched together and held in the right hand, which makes a motion as if tossing the cards into the air, whereupon they vanish. The right hand is shown back and front, the fingers wide apart, and the cards are recovered back of the right knee. This effective sleight is accomplished by means of a minute piece of apparatus known as the “ Excelsior Clip,” which may be bought at any stationery store. This spring clip has two arms, one of them bent over in the form of a hook, and sharpened to a point, so that it can be hooked to any part of the clothing. The working of the sleight will now be clear. The cards are placed in a clip and fanned.

The cards are then closed, and the right hand makes two up and down motions. When the hand goes down the second time the cards are hooked to the trousers back of the right knee. The hand of course must not hesitate an instant; it is immediately