Modern Magic: A Practical Treatise on the Art of Conjuring

THE BIRTH OF FLOWERS.--There are two or three different tricks which go by this name. Of one of them we may dispose in a very few words. It is purely a mechanical trick, having neither ingenuity of construction nor dexterity of manipulation to recommend it. The apparatus consists of a cover a (see Fig. 246), a base c, and an intermediate portion b, connected with a by means of a bayonet-catch; c is beforehand partially filled with earth, and in b, the top of which is perforated with small holes, is inserted a natural or artificial plant, or bouquet of flowers. The cover a is placed over b, and the apparatus is ready. The performer, drawing attention to c, pretends to sow some magic seed therein. He then places a over it, and pretending to warm it with his hands, commands the seeds to germinate. Releasing the bayonet-catch, he removes the cover, and shows the flowers apparently just springing from the earth in c. In some of the smaller sizes of this apparatus the bayonet-catch is dispensed with, the mere pressure of the fingers on the sides of a being sufficient to lift off b with it.