How to Hypnotize a Bird.
The ease with which even a child can put a dumb creature into the hypnotic state is best illustrated in the case of the bird, a most convenient subject.
Hold the bird securely, but gently, in the hand, back downward. Look straight into its eyes. The little creature will at first struggle to escape, but after a minute or two it becomes quiet. On first attempts it may be difficult to fix the bird’s gaze, but the fascination of the human eye will make itself felt in the end, and the tiny subject will not try to take its gaze off the hypnotizer. When it has reached this stage, begin very slowly to loosen the grasp.
As the pressure grows lighter the bird becomes more under the influence of the charm exerted by the firm gaze. The beating of its heart, which can easily be felt in the fingers, becomes more rapid, the legs contract slightly and the lids draw over the edges of the eyes. There must be almost no pressure of the hand now, or the bird will not sleep deeply.
In a few minutes, sometimes two, sometimes five or ten, the eyelids will have entirely closed. Still hold the bird carefully for two or three minutes. It may now be handled freely but gently. Held by the foot, head downward, its body is entirely limp, like a bird just shot. It may be tossed about without awaking so long as it is not dropped or hurt in any way.