“On this day,” says Houdin, “by a strange coincidence, the Hippodrome and the ‘Fantastic Soirées’ of Robert-Houdin, the largest and smallest stage in Paris, were opened to the public. The 3d of July, 1845, saw two bills placarded on the walls of Paris; one enormous belonging to the Hippodrome, while the other of far more modest proportions, announced my performances. Still as in the fable of the reed and the oak, the large theatre, in spite of the skill of the managers, has undergone many changes of fortune; while the smaller one has continually enjoyed the public favor. I have sacredly kept a proof of my first bill, the form and color of which have always remained the same since that date. I copy it word for word here, both to {133} furnish an idea of its simplicity, and to display the programme of the experiments I then offered to the public:”—
TO-DAY, THURSDAY, JULY 3, 1845
FIRST REPRESENTATION
OF
THE FANTASTIC SOIRÉES
OF
ROBERT-HOUDIN
AUTOMATA, SLEIGHT OF HAND, MAGIC
The Performance will be composed of entirely novel Experiments
invented by M. ROBERT-HOUDIN
THE CABALISTIC CLOCK
OBEDIENT CARDS
AURIOL AND DEBUREAU
THE MIRACULOUS FISH
THE ORANGE-TREE
THE FASCINATING OWL