Showing the Strength of a Giant
This trick is not so well known as it might be, although for a while it was quite a popular drawing attraction for circus side shows and other amusement places. It is one of the favorite Hindu tricks. The performer passes for examination two pieces of rope 10 ft. long. In one end of each rope a large ring is fastened. Taking a ring in each hand the performer commands three or four men at each end of the rope to take hold of it and at a signal they pull as hard as possible. They pull until they are exhausted as in a tug of war, but the performer only appears a trifle exerted and finds no difficulty in holding the men.
The Performer Seems to Hold the Ones Pulling on the Ropes without Any Effort, Producing an Effect That cannot be Readily Understood, and Making an Excellent Trick for the Lawn Party
The secret is in the use of a piece of flexible wire, which passes up the right sleeve of the performer, across the back and down the left sleeve, lying just inside of the coat sleeve. At the ends of the wire are small hooks. When about to perform this trick the performer puts on a pair of gloves. The gloves are slit in the palms to allow the hooks to pass through. The hooks are covered with cloth, colored to match the gloves. An essential point to remember in performing the trick is to keep the fingers well around the rings to prevent the ropes from dropping in case of a slack-up on the tension.
The Tricks of Camping Out
By STILLMAN TAYLOR
PART I—The Camping Outfit
To enjoy a vacation in the woods thoroughly, it is essential that the outer be provided with the right kind of an outfit. The inexperienced are likely to carry too much rather than too little to the woods; to include many unnecessary luxuries and overlook the more practical necessities. However, camp life does not mean that one must be uncomfortable, but rather implies plain and simple living close to nature. An adequate shelter from the sun and rain, a comfortable bed, a good cooking kit, and plenty of wholesome food, are the important things to consider. No man or woman requires more, and if unwilling to share the plain fare of the woodsman, the pampered ones should be left at home, for the grouchy, complaining individual makes, of all persons, the very worst of camping companions.
The Old Hand at the Camping Game Prefers to Cut Poles on the Camping Site and Set Them Up on the Outside for the Camp-Fire Tent
The Wall Tent may be erected with the Regular Poles, or, When Ordered with Tapes along the Ridge, It can be Set Up with Outside Tripod or Shear Poles