TO RUN THE FINGER THROUGH A HAT AND YET RETURN IT INTACT.
Having concluded a performance in which a borrowed hat was employed, you pretend to hesitate about handing it to the owner, and, in fact, whilst you are mumbling excuses, reveal that, by some bungling, you have made so large a hole in the crown, that a finger—yours, for instance (suiting the action to the word), can go through it, to do which you thrust a hand within the hat.
The forefinger is seen issuing through the top of the hat, where it wags in an amusing manner. Nevertheless, on instantly giving the hat to the owner, not the slightest trace of the fracture can be perceived.
Fig. 51.
Explanation.—The finger shown is one made of gutta percha, with a little cup valve at the base, from which the air is exhausted by a simple pressure, when the adhesion is perfect. To remove it, pick up the edge of the valve with the thumb-nail. This little diversion causes that hilarity always befitting a magical entertainment.
X.—AMUSING TRICKS WITH VARIOUS ARTICLES.
“The mind of man, like a bow, if always bent would in the end lose its elasticity, and become useless; by giving it occasional freedom you preserve its tone, and it will serve your purpose.”—Æsop.