Perhaps one evening of this ever delightful season might not be more entertainingly spent than in witnessing an exhibition of some feats in Magic, if any lad of the company could become sufficiently expert in the art to render them with a fair amount of skill.
There are many of these mysterious tricks performed by the professional “Thaumaturgist” or “Prestidigitateur,” but as most of them require a complicated or expensive apparatus, I shall only call your attention to such as are comparatively simple, and require but few “aids” or materials for their fulfillment.
HOW TO PALM A COIN.
As it is necessary for any boy or girl who intends to become an expert sleight-of-hand performer to be a successful palmer, this is naturally the first lesson to be learned. Indeed, very few of the tricks performed by an expert prestidigitateur would be effective without its use.
To explain this art is difficult, although it is an easy matter to show how the thing is done. By the aid of an illustration may be seen, however, the final position of the coin, or how it is held while it is palmed.
If possible, balance a half-dollar on the tip of the second finger of the right hand; but if not at first easily accomplished let the coin rest on the tips of the second and third fingers, steadying it, in this position, by touching it lightly with the thumb. Close the hand quickly and the coin will rest in the palm. Then, by throwing the thumb forward, the ball of the thumb will hold the silver piece on one side, and that part of the palm which lies between the second and third fingers holds it securely on the other.
Practice this well, and be sure you can depend upon yourself to accomplish it perfectly with the left as well as the right hand, before you try any of the following tricks in the presence of a critical audience.
HOW TO PASS A COIN.
Borrow of your audience two half-dollars and lay them on your table.