THE INK AND FISH TRICK.
This is really a first-rate delusion. You bring before the spectators a glass vase full of ink. You dip a ladle into it, and pour out some of the ink upon a plate, in order to convince the audience that the substance in the vase is really ink. You then throw a handkerchief over the vase, and instantly withdraw it, when the vase is found to be filled with pure water, in which a couple of gold-fish are swimming.
This apparent impossibility is performed as follows: To the interior of the vessel is fitted a black silk lining, which adheres closely to the sides when pressed by the water, and which is withdrawn inside the handkerchief during the performance of the trick. The ladle has a hollow handle, with an opening into the bowl; in the handle is a spoonful or so of ink, which runs into the bowl when it is held downward during the act of dipping it into the vase.