How to Make the Pictures
Fig. 1.—A rabbit.
Fig. 2.—A butterfly.
In [Fig. 1] you see the well-known rabbit, usually the first shadow made by the amateur performer. Stretch the right thumb down and the forefinger up as far as it will go, whilst the second and third fingers should be thrust out, slightly bent, as shown in the figure. With the left hand crook the forefinger against the upright forefinger of the right hand, bring the thumb to touch the last-mentioned finger, making a little loop as depicted. Stick the second and third fingers of the left hand upright, although slightly bent. Your two hands should now appear as in [Fig. 1], and the shadow they cast will be that of a rabbit.
The butterfly in [Fig. 2] is very easily made, and needs little explanation. Extend the thumbs of both hands, keeping the four fingers of each bunched together.
Then cross your hands with the thumbs crooked in one another, and the butterfly will be ready to flit on to the screen.
Fig. 3.—A swan.
To make the swan shown in [Fig. 3], both arms must be partly bared and the right one bent upwards from the elbow. Extend the third and fourth fingers horizontally, bend the first and second loosely upon themselves and bring the thumb to rest naturally upon their tips. Hold the left hand easily at the crook of the elbow, as shown in the figure, and the swan is complete.
Fig. 4.—The greyhound.
[Fig. 4] depicts a greyhound ready to sprint. Extend the right hand thumb and close the fingers together. With the left hand bend the thumb outwards, double the forefinger, and bring the middle finger down to touch the first finger of the right hand.
Fig. 5.—The hound panting.
Fig. 6.—A countryman.
Fig. 7.—A fireside friend.
By stretching down the last three fingers of the right hand, as shown in [Fig. 5], the greyhound will be seen panting as he races along, watched by the old countryman depicted in [Fig. 6]. The familiar household pet is shown in [Fig. 7] as she sits warming herself by the fire. [Figs. 7A] and [7B] respectively suggest two other easily produced hand shadows, in the former, additional effect being lent by the pipe.
Fig. 7a.—The costermonger.
When you have accustomed yourself to forming these figures quickly and accurately, numberless other objects will present themselves to your mind, and as the fingers grow supple the characters in your repertoire will become more and more numerous and amusing.
Fig. 7b.—The parson.
A few racy remarks about each shadow lend an interest to the performance and serve to keep the spectators amused. Always be quite sure of what you are going to do and how you are going to do it; arrange your fingers quickly and correctly; do not keep the same figure upon the screen too long, and you are sure to succeed.
A mistake is fatal, as nothing is more dreary for the visitors than to watch you bungling with your fingers—uncertain how they should be placed.