Modern magic : A practical treatise on the art of conjuring. . is subsequently reproduced with anappropriate answer written beneath the question. The Cone, or Skittle. (Laqui//e).—This is a block of polishedbox-wood, of the shape shown in Fig. 19^, with a thin shell of the samematerial exactly covering it, and so closely resembling it in appearance,that the solid block and the hollow shell, seen apart, cannot be dis-tinguished the one from the other. The cone is madein various sizes, from three inches in height by oneand a half at the base, to seven inches in height bythree at the base. It is
Modern magic : A practical treatise on the art of conjuring. . is subsequently reproduced with anappropriate answer written beneath the question. The Cone, or Skittle. (Laqui//e).—This is a block of polishedbox-wood, of the shape shown in Fig. 19^, with a thin shell of the samematerial exactly covering it, and so closely resembling it in appearance,that the solid block and the hollow shell, seen apart, cannot be dis-tinguished the one from the other. The cone is madein various sizes, from three inches in height by oneand a half at the base, to seven inches in height bythree at the base. It is worked with a paper cover,consisting of an open tube of cartridge paper aboutdouble the height of the cone, and tapering in suchmanner that its larger end shall fit loosely over thecone. The performer brings forward this papertube in his right hand, and the cone (with the hollowshell upon it) in his left, taking care to hold hisfingers beneath it in such manner that the solid cone cannotfall out. He first calls attention to the paper tube, which the audi-. MODERN MAGIC. cnce are allowed to examine at pleasure. When it is returned to him,he says, You are now quite satisfied that there is no preparationabout this tube, which is, in fact, simply a cover for this block ofwood. As if merely suiting the action to the word, he covers theblock with the tube, immediately removing it again, and carelesslylaying the cover on the table. In removing it, however, he graspsit with a gentle pressure, andso takes off with it the* hollowshell (see Fig. 196), of whose ex-istence the audience have no sus-picion. He continues, Perhapsyou would also like to examinethe block, which you will find tobe a plain, solid piece of wood,without mechanism or prepara- Qtion of any kind. The blockhaving been duly examined, thesupposed empty cover is placedupright upon the tablej and the Fig. 196. solid block having been disposed of by any means in the performers power, is ordered to pass invisiblyunder the co
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Keywords: ., bookcentury1800, bookdecade1880, bookpublisherlondon, bookyear188
