Modern Magic: A Practical Treatise on the Art of Conjuring

In like manner, the trick of the “Flying Money” (see page 172) forms an apt preparation for the introduction of the “Crystal Cash-box” (page 487). The series of tricks described under the title of the “Birth of Flowers” (page 411), affords another instance of the artistic combination of two or three different tricks in such manner as to enhance the effect of the whole; but, in truth, examples might be multiplied ad infinitum. In arranging an entertainment, the performer should continually bear this principle in mind. The programme should consist not of a number of absolutely unconnected tricks, but of a series of ten or a dozen groups of tricks. As compared with each other, the groups should have as much diversity as possible; but, individually, each should consist of the same or a similar effect repeated in a more and more striking form (though produced by different means), or else of a string of tricks united by some natural sequence, as in the case of the production of the two rabbits from the hat, followed by the rolling of the one into the other, and terminating with the reproduction of the vanished animal in another quarter. In order to make our meaning clearer, we subjoin a specimen working programme, arranged on the principles we have stated. PROGRAMME (for performer’s own use). 1. Vanishing gloves (page 325). Transformed handkerchief (page 246). Handkerchief ultimately found in candle (page 249). 2. Borrowed half-crown, changed to penny, and back again (page 161); made to pass into centre of two oranges in succession (page 170). Three more half-crowns borrowed, and all four made to pass invisibly from performer’s hand to goblet at a distance (page 200), and finally into crystal cash-box (page 487).