Page:Magic oracle, or, Conjuror's guide.pdf/4



Lay the bird upon a table, and wave a small feather before its eyes, it will immediately seem as dead; remove the feather, and it will revive as soon. Let it lay hold of the stem part of the feather with its feet, and it will twist and turn about just like a parrot; you may then roll it about upon the table at your pleasure.

Five drops of sulphuric acid put into a full quart decanter of bad water, will cause the noxious particles to fall to the bottom. Twenty drops of diluted vitriolic acid will answer the same purpose. The water should stand two hours, and then pour off about three parts for use; the rest throw away.

You must lay a wager upon this, and then tie the string in a loop about the centre. Having done this, cut the loop, and the quart pot will of course remain suspended.

Cut up about a couple of handfuls of different coloured rags into small strips, mix them together indiscriminately, and completely envelope the egg in them; then tie the whole up in a piece of cloth, and boil them for three or four hours. Take them up, and on uncovering the egg, the shell will be found dyed in a beautiful manner, with all the colours of the rags. Eggs thus variegated form very handsome ornaments for the mantel-piece.

This trick, extremely simple as it is, causes much mirth in a party. Tell the company that you have the power to place any person in the middle of the room, and to chalk a ring round him that he cannot get out of, use as much labour and exertion ns he may, without actually undressing himself. This will naturally cause much wonder, some one of the party will, doubtless, put your powers to the proof. Make such party stand in the middle of the room, button his coat, then with a piece of chalk make a ring round his person upon his coat, which it is evident he cannot get out of without taking his coat off.