THE MAGIC WAND AND SANDALWOOD SANDALS.
There was lately introduced the following trick. The performer takes up
his wand with one hand and suddenly shows that he can retain it
suspended, and even make it describe all manner of figures in the air,
with only the slightest contact of one finger. Apparently, the wand is
smooth ebony, and that it is devoid of any glutinous matter is
sufficiently proved by its being rolled among feathers and yet taking
up none.
Explanation.—Though apparently smooth, in the wand is
set firmly a fine steel point, barbed on the side towards the wood, and
inclined at an angle. There may be one at each end and one in the
centre of the wand at need. All are japanned to be of the colour of the
wood. The flesh of the fingers each side of the nails, and the thick
part over each root of the fingers within the hand, are tough enough to
give a good hold to these points.
One of the most telling feats of the Oriental jugglers is founded on
this same deception: a man with naked feet steps upon two small smooth
boards of wood, when they become sufficiently firmly attached to his
soles for him to dance, as if they were bound to them like sandals.
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