!

*ia_---i

THE ONLY PAPER IN TIIK UNITED STATES DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF MAGICIANS, SPIRITUALISTS, MESMEKIM -, I i

VOL.

I. No. I.

NEW YORK. MARCH, I8QS.

ROBERT HOUDIN.
KATHI-.R OF MODERN

* -

MAGIC.

ROBHRT HoniiN was born on the 6th of December, 180s.

in the town of Blois, France. His father a watchmaker in
that city gave him a good education at the college of Orleans,
with the idea of making him a professional man, a solicitor
by preference; but Houdin was averse to this, having
inherited his father's mechanical genius he wished to follow
in his footsteps. To this his father would not listen, and
forthwith bound him to a country solicitor, where he served
two years, at the end of which
time he was discharged having
spent most of his time in constructing ingenious mechanical contrivances. His father at last despairing
of making anything of him except
that which nature designed. con-__
sented to his following his own
bent, much to his son's joy. He
was sent to a relative at a distant
town to learn the watchmaking
trade. While there, by the merest
chance a treatise on conjuring fell
into his hands that so charmed
and fascinated him that he became
averse to following his father's
trade, his sole ambition being to
become a conjurer; chance at this
time throwing him into the company of a professional conjurer
strengthened this ambition, but circumstances compelled him to stick
to his trade; nevertheless he found
time not only to perfect himself in
sleight of hand, but to construct
new mechanical tricks which he
fondly hoped to exhibit some day.
So great was his ingenuity, that at
the Paris Exhibition of 1844, he was
awarded a medal for the ingenious construction of several automata. In 1845, Houdin had the good fortune to render a
great service to a nobleman of considerable wealth, who in a
spirit of gratitude pressed upon him the loan of sufficient money to enable him to open a small theatre in the Palais Royal,
Paris. It was here that Houdin made reforms that entitles him
to be called the Father of Modern Magic. The contemporary
performers of his time dressed like astrologers, in long and
flowing robes, embroidered with hieroglyphic characters, and
pointed cap, or in a mountebank costume with short sleeves

SINGLE COPY, IO I.IVI-

and bare arms. Houdin appeared on the stage in ordinary

evening dress," substituting undraped gilt tables and
consoles in the Louis XV. style in place of the cumbersome
long draped tables of his predecessors. The enormous
metal covers under which articles to be vanished had hitherto
been placed, were replaced with covers of glass, opaque or
transparent as occasion required; boxes with false bottoms
and all apparatus of brass or tin were completely banished
from his stage. At his entertainments which were given
under the title Soriees Fantastiques, the originator exhibited
certain illusions which not only by reason of the manner of
their working, but of the principles" whereon they were based.
inaugurated a new era of conjuring, these were the Second Sight,
the Aerial Suspension, the Inexhaustible Bottle, the [Mysterious
"Portfolio, the Crystal Cash-box.
the Wonderful Orange-tree. etc. .
including several pieces of -_4ufniiiata.
The Soirees Fantastiques proved

a complete success and soon the

little theatre was nightly crowded
with the first circles of Parisian society ; though the number of seats
were limited to two hundred, the
prices were tolerably high, so that"
Robert Houdin, thanks to the signal favor with which his performances were received by the public,
was enabled to repay his generous
creditor within a year afterthe opening of his theatre". He continued to
enjoy uninterrupted success until
1848. when the revolution ruined
all theatrical speculations in Paris,
he then visited London, where his
performances at the St. James'
Theatre were universally attractive
and lucrative; leaving London he
made a tour through Great Britain
with equal success, returning to Paris when France had
settled down quietly under the rule of a President; he subsequently visited many other parts of Europe and was
everywhere received with distinction and applause.
In 1852 finding his health failing he determined to retire,
to his great regret his two sons upon whom he had reckoned
to fill his place evinced from an early age, inclinations of a
different character to those he had hoped. The elder,
yielding doubtless to an hereditary predisposition, developed
{Cloutinned on piig? 2. 1

flDabatma.

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For Sale or Exchange column, 15 cents a line. Copyrighted March, 1895.

TO OUR READERS.
In presenting "MAHATMA" to the magical fraternity it is
with the idea of (to use a time worn phrase) filling a long
felt want. Every branch of any occupation, art, science is
represented by a periodical of some kind, but magic whose
devotees can be counted by the thousands has in some
unacountable way been overlooked, therefore MAHATMA as a
periodical is unique, and justifies our claim that it "fills a
long felt want." The chief features of MAHATMA are as
follows: beginning with the first number a series of articles
will be given teaching Umbromania. or the art of shadowgraphv, also Chapeaugraphy, or a score of heads under one
hat, tricks of various kinds and their manner of working,
optical and mechanical illusions, and automa, the majority of
which will be new to the profession at large, they never
having been printed in book form. Juggling tricks will also
be treated upon, in fact everything that pertains to magic
directly or indirectly. "MAHATMA" will also cheerfully
answer any questions pertaining to magic or any of its
branches, and will keep track of all the noted artists of the
day, telling of their doings, comings and goings, not only in
this country but the world over.
The advantages of our advertising columns to the performer
cannot be over-estimated, there he will find materials and
tools advertised which will enable him to perform any or
every branch of his art, also new tricks and illusions as soon
as placed on the market, this is a great advantage for those
living a distance as they can obtain the apparatus almost as
soon as those living in the immediate vicinity: thus reaping
the benefit of their purchase while it is still a novelty. To
the manufacturer it presents unprecedented advantages; other
periodicals are disseminated among thousands who never
did, nor ever will, purchase one cents worth from them,
while with this paper their advertisements go right to the
fountain-head. It is also well to note that this paper is not
published for the benefit of any one manufacturer, but for all
who wish to advertise in its columns, that is, all honest
advertisersnot to any person who may wish to thrive
upon the curiosity or credulity of the readers of this paper,
and any complaint having been received against an advertisement in this paper, if found upon investigation to be
correct, our columns will be forever closed to them or any
person associated with them.
"MAHATMA" is published by the proprietor, a new plant
having been purchased for this special purpose, thus insuring
to the subscriber an existence not for a month or two, but
for all time.
ROBERT HOUDIN.Continued.

an intense love for mechanics, and after going through an

extensive course of study on that subject, devoted himself to
clockmaking, a profession which had been followed by that
family for generations. The energetic and decided character
and military tastes of the younger caused him to adopt the
profession of arms, after gradunting at the military academy
of St. Cyr, he lost no time in attaching himself definitely to
the army. A former pupil named Hamilton having married
his sister, Houdin made him his successor in order that his
theatre and the fruit of his labors might remain in the family,
and after a short tour through Germany he retired to a retreat

in the neighborhood of Blois, there to devote himself to his

favorite study, the application of electricity to mechanism, a
lingering love for his old clockmaking trade made him choose
chrohometro-electrical works as the objects of his study, and
so well did he succeed that at the Great Parisian Exhibition
of 1855, he was awarded the gold medal for his scientific
application of electricity to clocks. In 1857, at the special
request of the French Government which desired to lessen
the influence of the Marabouts whose conjuring tricks,
accepted as actual magic by the Arabs, gave them too much
influence, he went to Algeria, as a sort of Ambassador, to
play off his tricks against their tricks, and, by greater marvels
than they could show, destroy the prestige which they had
acquired. He so completely succeeded that the Arabs lost
all faith in the miracles of the Marabouts, and thus was destroyed an influence very dangerous to the French Government. Houdin has been considered of such importance and
interest in France, that in Didot's -h^onvelle ^Biographic Generate a whole page is given to him.
Upon again seeking retirement he wrote his celebrated
memoirs under the title Les Confidences d'un Prestidigitateur,
which has been translated into English by Dr. R. Shelton
Mackenzie. French and English critics have warmly eulogized M. Houdin's confidences.
Robert Houdin's desire to perpetuate the Soirees Fantastique has been realized to a degree that must have been even
beyond his fondest hopes, as July 3d. 189s. will be the celebration of the soth anniversary of the Theatre Robert Houdin
as a Temple of Magic.
THE MAGICIANS REVENGE.
A neat story is told how a wily magician got the best of
one of those would be clever fellows that are met with in
almost every audience, to the sorrow of the performer. They
pretend to know the secret of_ every trick that is being performed, and give the explanation in such a loud voice that
all within two or three rows can hear them. This particular
story happened to-lie'enacted in a small country town, and
the smart individual who made himself unusually objectionable was the local photographer. The Professor had no
trouble after the performance to find out the man's address,
and the next day he paid him a visit in his studio. He made
a bargain for a lot of large sized photographs. The Photographer was all smiles in anticipation of the good profit from
the order. He placed the Professor who by the way was
quite bald, in the most advantageous position anJ proceeded
with his business. Having taken the plate to the dark room
he returned after a considerable time smiling very uneasily
and said that he was not quite satisfied with the pose. He
placed the Professor a little differently, put another plate in
the camera, and took another snap. This time he remained
very much longer and emerged from the dark room very
much perturbed, giving as an excuse, that the plate was not
perfect. For the third time he went through the business
and when he came out from the dark room he was pale as a
ghost and trembled violently. "What is the matter?" asked
the Prolessor. "1 am very sorry, I am not able to take your
picture, there is something very queer about this." The
Prolessor who was very good natured. after having enjoyed
the discomfiture of the photographer said: "If you knew as
much about your business as you pretended to know about
mine yesterday, you would liave found out what was the
trouble; I will explain it to you. I have painted on my forehead with a certain acid of quinine, which is a colorless liquid,
a skull with crossbones; you cannot see that, but the camera
reproduces the picture perfectly and that is the reason you
found every time the skull reproduced on the plate. The
magician washed off the chemical and there was no more
trouble with the next sitting.

/IDabatma.
AN INTERESTING FLOWER TRICK.
While there are many small tricks, to make them effective
they must be so combined as to make them appear to the
best advantage. The following is an interesting flower
trick:
The performer comes forward holding in his hand a small cardboard box
which he says contains various kinds of llower seeds.
"There is no need of moisture, earth', or time to cause the seed to germinate, the plant to spring up arid the flower to bloom. Everything takes
place instantaneously.
Would not a rose in my buttonhole produce a
charming effect? A stroke of the wand upon the seed deposited in the desired place, and tile rose appears. A few seeds in this little box (Fig. i A),
(hat we shall cover so that it cannot be seen how flowers are born. .
Take off the cover: violets, forget-me-nots, and Easter daisies are here all
freshly blown.
"You are suspicious of the little tin box and of its cover. Well then,
here is a goblet, the transparency of which is perfect, and this borrowed hat
with which 1 cover it can have undergone no preparation. Let us remove it
quickly, for the flowers. . . What! no flowers? Ah! I forgot to sow
the seeds. Let us begin again. What flowers do you want?a mignonette, a violet, a marigold? Here is a seed of each which I place in the glass.
Let each one tell me the flower he prefers. Now I cover the glass and
count three. . . . See the bouquet!" (Fig. 5.)
The trick is finished by taking from the hat a number of bouquets for the
ladies. An explanation of it:
1. Tlh' Biillonliole 7(ose.This is a stemless artificial rose of muslin,
which is traversed by a strong black silk thread arrested by a knot. To this
thread, whii.li is live or six inches in length, is attached a strong rubber cord.

dle of the bouquet, which has been placed upon a bracket, as shown in Fig.
1, and, raising his finger, introduces the flowers into the hat, taking care not
to turn his gaze away from the glass to the bouquet or hat, as one might
teel inclined to do. This introduction of the bouquet should be done quickly,
after which the hat is held aloft, while with the left hand some imaginary
seeds, the kinds of which are designated in measure as they are taken, are selected from the cardboard box and deposited in the glass. This time the
flowers will appear.
4. Small "Bouquets in the Hat.There is not a second to be lost; the
spectators are admiring the bouquet.
The operator quickly profits by this surprise to introduce, by the same process, small bouquets tied together with a weak thread that can be broken in
the hat. We have not figured these bouquets upon the bracket, in order to
avoid complication. A skillful operator will not hasten to produce the small
bouquets; he will advance toward the spectators as if the experiment were
ended, and as if he wished to return the hat, making believe answer a request, he says: "You wish some flowers, madam? And you, too? And
are there others who wish some? 1 will empty into the hat the rest of my
wonderful seeds, and note the result. It is at this moment that all eyes are
open to see the advent of the flowers.

An excellent addition to the foregoing experiments is the

flower (Fig. 2) that changes color three times. This can be
produced in the small box (Big. 2), or among the small bouquets in the hat. the performer stating that he not only has
power to make flowers grow at will, but to assume any

Fig. 2.THE MAGIC FLOWER.

THK H1RTH OF THK FLOWERS.

The free extremity of the rubber traverses, in the first place, the left buttonhole of the coat, and then a small eyelet formed beneath, and passes over the
chest and behind the back, and is fixed by the extremity to one of the right
hand buttons of the waistband ol" the trousers.
When the performer comes upon the stage, the rose is under his left armpit, held by the arm. He raises his wand toward the right, and looks in the
same direction to attract the spectators to that side; but, he separates his
arms slightly, and the rose held by the taut rubber suddenly appears. The
effect produced by the appearance of tins llower is instantaneous.
2. Tin- Flowers in the Sunill Box.In this second appearance of flowers,
produced by means of the small apparatus shown in Fig. 2, there is nothing
very mysterious. The object of it is to bring into relief the experiment that
is to follow, and of which there can be no'question of a double bottom.
Moreover, the means employed contributes toward astounding the spectators.
Fig. 2 shows in section the three pieces of the apparatus, which are placed
separately upon the table in Fig. 1. A is the cylindrical tin box in which the
seeds are sown, and B another box of slightly larger diameter, but like the
first, which it entirely covers. To the bottom of B is fixed a small bouquet
of artificial flowers. By slightly squeezing the cover, C (which is ol thin
brass), toward the bottom, the box, B, with the bouquet, is lifted. If, on the
contrary, the box is left upon the table, the spectators do not perceive the
substitution made, and think that they see the first box, whence they believe the flowers started.
3. The Bouquet in Hie GLiss.This is an interesting part of the experiment.
The glass is first covered with a hat, aiul the performer feigns astonishment upon the flowers having not appeared, but at the instant the hat is
lifted, when all eyes are upon the glass, looking for the bouquet announced,
the performer, who, with the right hand, holds the hat resting upon the edge
of the table, sticks his middle finger in the cardboard tube fixed to the han-

color that he desires, which he proceeds to do in the following manner: Fig. 2 represents the tri-colored artificial flower;
to the left of this figure (No. 1) we see a white flower. This,
by an abrupt movement of the arm, is rendered blue and
red. The white flower, made of thin paper, is folded like a
Ian and is placed between two flexible leaves, provided at
their upper extremities with a small piece of lead. By a dexterous movement the green leaf is raised and the white
flower is folded under its weight, and a blue flower makes
its appearance on one side and a red one on the other. If
quickly done the eye cannot discern the means that are employed to effect the transformation.
UMBROMANIA, OR THE ART OF SHADOWGRAPHY.
Professor Hermann, in 1S89, toured through this country
a variety company known as "Hermann's Transatlantic
Vaudevilles." the chief star of which was Trewey, a juggler
and sleight of hand performer of great merit, described as
"The Absolute Master." not only for his great dexterity but
for the originality of his performance, the principal features o
which were novelties in this country, namely: Umbromania,
or the arlofshadowgraphy, andChapeaugraphy, or a score of
heads under one hat. As a complete treatise on these arts
have never before been printed in this country, our explanations will be very acceptable to the magical fraternity.
In calling this "act" a novelty of course we do not mean
that there is anything new in projecting shadows with the
hands, such as the dog, rabbit, swan, etc., which, in itself,
must be as old as the hills, but in its improvement which
has raised it to the dignity of an art. An Italian painter

/IDabatma.
named Campi seems to have been the first to try and improve this art. He devised new and amusing forms of animals that delighted the school children, whom he loved to
amuse. An imitator named Frizze imported the art into
Belgium, where Trewey got a knowledge of it, which he
still further improved. The art now consists not only in
forming innumerable figures of birds, fishes and animals, but
in giving them life-like motionsthe cat making its toilet, the
swan smoothing its plumage, the bird taking flight, the ropedancer, who before walking on the rope rubs resin on her
feet, etc. Before giving any of these we must point out the
fact that there are various exercises of the hands and fingers
that are indispensible in order to give life-like motion to the
silhouettes. The first exercise consists in bending the little
finger as much as possible without moving the others while
the hand is spread out. Second, the little finger is raised
and an effort is made to bend the middle .uul ring fingers
while the fore and little fingers remain extended. Third,
bend the two last joints of the fore and little finger while the
ring and middle fingers are bent inwardly. In this position,
if the thumb be bent inwardly, it will be found that the
shadow made by this profile on the wall will lorm the head
of a cat. Fourth consists in leaving the two last joints of

the first and little lingers bent, and extending the middle and
ring lingers. Afterward follow exercises in separating the
fingers from each other by opening them in the direction of
the middle of the hand. First it is the little finger that is
isolated, the fore, ring and middle fingers resting against
each other; then it is the separation of the fingers into two
groups, the little finger against the ring finger and the middle finger against the fore-finger, the latter and the ring linger making as wide an angle as possible. Then comes the
assembling of the lingers, the extremities of each being hidden behind the middle finger, so that the hand has the profile of a spear head. Finally we have the exercises in which
each finger is made independent of the others, one being
bent to the first, the other to the third joint, the latter extended as when the hand is open, the former elongated and
at right angles with the hand. It must be understood
that all that is done with the right hand must be repeated
with the left. The next thing to be considered is the screen
and the source of light. In practicing at home a white wall,
white paper or muslin thrown over a clothes-horse will
answer as a screen, and the source of light may be obtained
from an ordinary oil lamp or even by a commnn candle, the
mirrors and all brilliant objects having been veiled or re-

moved to prevent reflections, quite dark and sharp shadows

may be obtained. In the theatre the performer must have a
screen of muslin provided with metal eyelets, fastened at
proper distances apart on the four sides, so that cord may
be fastened into them for the purpose of stretching the screen
until it is smooth. The source of light necessary for public
exhibitions must be a single lamp, oxyhydrogen or electric,
inclosed ina projecting apparatus throw very divergent rays.
The lens must consequently be of very short focus. So much
lor the preparatory part of this art. In our next issue we
will commence teaching the forming of the latest and best of
these silhouettes.
CHAPEAUGRAPHY OR A SCORE OF HEADS UNDER
ONE HAT.
This act, which we have every reason to believe is original with Trewey, is to make from a round piece of felt
(shaped a sombrero minus the crown;) numbers of
different shaped hats by simply twisting the felt into different shapes, and then by simpfy turning up his coat collar or
tying his handkerchief around his neck and changing the
expression of his face, he would personate a score or more
ol different characters in pantomime. Any one seeing
Trewey perform would imagine this feat a very difficult one
to master, and so it would be to the one who attempted to
learn it without some guide to aid him. He might practice
a year and not get all the combinations. It must be borne
m mind that the success in Chapeaugraphy does not consist
in the skill of making the hats alone, but also in the facial
expression and pantomimic ability of the performer. Some
imitators of Trewey not possessing his mobility of countenance use accessories, and as many of our readers will find
themselves handicapped in the same way our explanations
will include them; they consist in prepared chalks, white,
black and rouge; a false mustache and imperial, a false
nose, a cane and a looking glass (lying flat on the table).
In explaining the making of the different hats we shall do so
with the aid of two illustrations (A. B.) A will show the
folds and twists required in each hat; B will show how the
hat looks when on the head, also the proper facial expression. Fig. i. The Scout is so simple as to require no illustration. Having first shown a round piece of felt, you turn to
your table, and, looking down into your looking glass, you
place it on the back of your head a" little on one side, the
same as you would any wide-brimmed hat, attach moustache and imperial; you may also dust your face lightly with
rouge in order to look sun-burned; pick up the cane and
hold it in front of you like a gun; turn around and you will
represent a Western scout. The coat should be tightly buttoned and a handkerchief tied around the neck. N. B.It
may be well to state here, although it seems superfluous,
that to perform Chapeaugraphy it is necessary to be clean
shaven.
MAHATMA'S NEWS.
Professor Alexander Hermann lias met with crowded houses in Omaha,
Neb.
Professor Kellar performed in Newark, N. J., to packed houses. His season has been a very prosperous one.
Powell is again the attraction of the Eden Musee, this city. Mr. Powell
has the reputation of not only being a thorough gentleman, but is one of the
cleverest exponents of magic in this country.
The great Imro Fox has returned from his last successful European tour, in
which he played all the large cities on the Continent with great success, and
is now filling an engagement at the Casino, New York. Mr. Fox for the season of 95-90, will be a special feature with Donnelly & Girard, Rain Makers.
Chevalier Thorn, has concluded a run of 100 performances at Vienna,
Austria, to crowded houses. The Professor is deservedly popular.
Edna Wood reports very fine business from Santiago de Chili.
Balabrega, in company with the Bemoles, is reaping a harvest in Valperaiso.

/IDabatma.
A NEW OPTICAL ILLUSION.
An optical illusion was exhibited a year or so ago in New
York in connection with the Crystal Maze (a labyrinth built
of mirrors), which, though exhibited some years ago at the
Paris Exposition, was an entire novelty in this country. The
illusion is to make a few persons appear like an innumerable
throng. It is simply an enlarged modification of the kaleidoscope, inert bodies being replaced by living beings. Three glass mirrors
about six feet square are
placed together so as to
form an equilateral triangle, a person (entering
through a trap in the
floor), placing himself in
the centre of this triangle
sees his reflection reproduced in groups of six at
all three joining points ol
the mirrors. Each of these
groups are in turn indefinately reflected until the
last are lost in the dim
prospective. Several persons walking about have
the appearance of an exi d pp b Thi i l l i
cited mob. This illusion
ought to prove a valuable
addition to any museum
as a side exhibition.
MAHATMA'S NLWS
Prof. Queen, magician, and Prof. McCarthy, illusionist, are
at the Dimeodeon, San Francisco, Cal.
Geo. Reba, magician, is with the Mohawk Indian Medicine Co., No. i.
Sato, the juggler, will go to Europe in May, opening in
Berlin, Germany.
Prof. Ferguson, magician and juggler, is a member ol the
Topqua Medicine Co.
Prof. De Camio, magician and mesmerist, is with Dr. C.
J. Foster's Comedy Co.
Prof. Frank Emerson, illusionist, is now booking through
the New England States.
Prof. George A. Milligan's Magical Show is en route
through Ohio and Indiana.
Prof. Ira Vilton and Mile. Valletta, mind leaders, are with
Cameron's Palace Museum.
Cliquot's performance is one of the attractive features with
Orrin Bros. Show in Mexico.
Prof. Charles F. Hndor, the magician, is manager of the
Kickapoo Indian Medicine Co.
Prof. B. G. Arden, magician and fire eater, is a member of
the White Spear Medicine Co.
Prof. J. C. Kam, magician and mind reader, has joined
the Oregon Indian Medicine Co., No. 4.
Prof. Adrian Plate, the originator and successful manipulator of the mystic art, reports a successful season.
Mons. Forber, juggler, is at his home in Toronto, Can.,
visiting his parents for the first time in twenty years.
Herbert Quin, magician, was married in Fort Wayne,
Ind., on February )d, to Myrtle Van Dyke, a non-professional.
Prof. Harry Stork, magician, and Wiliiam Medbury. in
Psychic Phenomena, are very successfully "working" private
clubs, etc.
Prof. Harry Helms, magician and juggler, of Milwaukee,
Wis., writes that he is at present filling local "dates," and
is doing very well.

Thomas L. Finn, ventriloquist and illusionist, has signed

with Charles Lee's London Shows for next season, making
his second season with that show.
Barry and Ella Gray, marionette manipulators, have signed
with the Ringling Bros. Show for the n?xt season, making
their second season with this show.
Irr
Prof. H. J. J. Black, magicianand marionette manipulator,
is resting at his home in Stockto n, Cal.. for the winter, where
he is preparing a new
and startling program.
The Vernelo's magic
and second sight artists,
having closed a very profitable season in the Northern States, are now touring the South with equal
success.
Geo. W. Gilchrist, magician, has left Forster's
Comedy and Pavilion
Theatre Co.. which is now
touring Southern Texas:
his place has been tilled
by Roxy Connolly.
Prof. Yerac. magician
and shadowgraphist, has
finished playing dates for
the season and is getting
ready for his annual tour
through the New England
States and Canada.
Dr. Forest Gordon, magician, en route with the Chippewa Medicine Co., No. 26,
writes that in May he will open, under canvas, with ten
first class stars and tour the Middle States,^
Glidden, mind reader and magician, has so far during the
present season been entertaining at private affairs in Minneapolis, Minn., but is now making elaborate preparations to
go on the road.
Prof. John G. Sheidler, magician, and Mollie Roberts,
mind reader, have signed with Leon W. Washburn's Circus for the coming season, this making their second season
with this show.
- Prof. Harrie Pierce, "The celebrated London Illusionist,"
now of New York, writes' "That on account of special
business he has decided to play only city houses and nearby
towns this season.
Dr. A. Merlin and wife (Margaret Hayden), who claim to
be the undisputed mind readers and second sight performers
of the world, are now in their twenty-fourth week at
White's London Musee. Chicago, 111., and will remain until
May, 189s.
Prof. Jas. H. Teel and wife, who are now touring New
England States, writes that he is doing week stands in large
cities only : also, that this coming tenting season he expects
to arrange to run a side show with a well known Western
circus.
Henri Cazman, the lantaist. intends next season to send
out a first class organization of international vaudeville stars,
headed by himself and Mam'selle Flossie. The season will
commence about the end of October and end April, 1896.
Mr. Cazman returns to Europe shortly, and will sail for
New York the end of September, bringing the European contingent with him.
Prof. Hermann is now organizing a vaudeville company,
which he will place upon the road at the beginning of the
season i89S-'96. It will be known as Hermann's Gigantic
American and European Vaudeville Organization, and will
be booked in first class houses only. This will in no wise
interfere with his tour, which he will make accompanied by
his wife as heretofore.

flDabatma.
Prof and Mme. Annetto, the Mexican Life Readers, are closing a three
week's stay in Harrisburg, Pa., to crowded houses; they will be in Pottsville,
Pa., the week of Feb. 28th to March 6th.
Prof. E. J. Dwelly, the magician, of Springfield, Mass., is making preparations for an extended tour of the New England States this coming summer.
Prof. J. C. Green, the wizard, of Montreal, Can., is getting an entire new
act, and will open in London, at the Trocadero Music Hall, next August.
Prof. Green will introduce an entirely new program.
Rapp the conjurer and illusionist of Milwaukee, Wis., will introduce this
coming season the "Phantom Trapeze," a lady disappearing from a trapeze
hung over the audience. Mi. Rapp is making extensive preparations lor the
coming season, and will have one of the finest outfits on the road.
Gabe Rasgorshek, of Omaha, Neb., reports good business.
Mr and Mrs. W. P. Denis, illusionists and aeronauts, of Terre Haute,
hul., open on May 1st, at Fountanett, hid., under canvas.
Prof. Shapiro, Cross Folks. Pa., will open on April islh his coming season.
Prof. Anton F. Zamloch, of Golden Gate, writes: 1 have been on the road
2} years, mostly on the Pacific Coast, South Sea Islands, British Columbia
and Mexico. This year will end my career on the road. Next May 1 will
build on my own property in Golden Gate, Cal.. a Temple of Mystery, to be
devoted to conjuring and spiritualistic expose.
Astarte made her first European appearance in Vienna, a Etablessement
Ronacher, meeting with decided success. On January 1st, Astarte had the
pleasure of presenting her act before the Royal Family of Austria.
The editor of thi$ paper while filling an engagement in Bridgeport. Conn.,
had the pleasure of visiting the den ol Fred. W. Hurd, where he was entertained by that aspirjng magician, who reports good business.
Thegre.it Rheutell, magician, of Grand Rapids. Mich., will open his season with 7 people, including Hunt and Wilsey.
Mr. Elmer P. Ransom, the successful magician, is presenting an entirely
new program this season, and is meeting with his usual success.
Prof. French, the clever magician of this city, has secured many return engagements from Lodges, Churches, etc.; his dates are well filled for March.

THE SECRET OUT.

Magic taught in all its branches. Personally or by
mail. Sleight of hand a specialty.
Care MAHAIAIA.

PROF. BROWNIE.

PROF. -R. A. READER,

MAHATMA wants to hear from every person interested in magic, etc.

all news interesting to magicians to this office.
size of this paper.

FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.

The conjuring fraternity in England, with the exception of a favored few, among which I am
fortunate enough to be able to include yours truly, have suffered not a little during the past year
from the dullness which has prevailed in business generally. In the first part of the year 1 heard
of many cases of genuine distress among the humbler exponents of the Black Art, and I fear
that the summer which invariably finds some of these entertainers giving al fresco shows at the
seaside towns, did not bring them any relief, for our summer has been an unusually cold and
wet one. 1 took a vaudeville company around the South. Welsh and Lancaster coasts, playing
at Theatres, and with the exception of August Hank holiday week at Bournemouth, I never saw
Hnglish seaside places so bare of visitors in the height of summer. 1 am happy to say. however, that things now seem more promising. The theatres are doing a good business, and the
Egyptian Hall, Maskelyne & Cook s "Home of Mystery" is crowded at every performance. I
went to a matinee their recently and found the cosy little hall packed. Several new and clever
items appear on the program. A clever slight of hand performer, one David Devant. has been
permanently engaged by "M, & C." to assist at their entertainments, and is very popular with
their audiences. His work is neat and finished and his style and patter exceptionally good. Although it cannot be said that he has invented any new tricks, he has an criminal method of presenting old ones. He is quite a young man, with but a few years experience, but he gives
promise of a brilliant future. Mr. Meskelyne's new illusion sketch. Modern Witchery, designed
vith a view of exposing the tricks introduced by thi
called Theosophy, scarcely does what it claim's. It is very humorous and well presented, but
it is susceptible ol great improvement in its illusory worka man strapped to a board placed on
the backs of two chairs, the board being raised by invisible means, and suspended in the air,
then the chairs are removedis scarcely up to the standard of this truly great inventor of illusions. The appearance of Koot Hoomi, the Mahatma in his astral body is simply a repetition
of an illusion arranged by Mr. Maskelyne for Mr. Tree at the Haymarket Theatre last winter for
the play "The Charlatans," An opposition Was started to the "M. & C." establishment some
months ago in a hall near the Egyptian Hall, by a performer who graduated as a conjurer with
"M. & C." Several good illusions by a very clever inventor. Mr, J. \V. Winstan, were presented, but as the show closed 1 presume it was not a financial success. The Egyptian Hall. iat
which I had a most successful and profitable season during "M. & C." last provincial tour) is
too thoroughly established to admit of.i rival. In music halls the most successful conjurer is
the American magician, Carl Hertz. His lime is always well filled, and he draws I should guess
almost double the salary of any of his English competitors, although not an invenior he nearly
always has a good illusion on hand, generally obtained on the Continent and which he takes the
precaution to patent in England- It is rumored that he will shortly present in London a new
version of the vanishing lady. An illusion on entirely new lines is much wanted. Tell your
American inventors to put on their thinking caps. .
HhKCAT

SISTERS LYNN,
THE CELEBRATED JUVENILE ARTISTS,
Can be engaged for Churches, Lodges, etc.
Address 1368 Herkimer St., Brooklyn, N. Y.

MAGICIAN.

There are others but

only "One French."

Magic, Mystery, Illusions,

Address, 253 W. i2Sth St., N. Y.

PROF.J. H. SMITH,
VENTRILOCLUIST AND MAGICIAN.

Can be engaged for all kinds of entertainments, rates reasonable.

Drop a postal or call at 49 Lincoln Ave., Cohoes, N. Y.
JOHN W. LITTLE,
Prestidigitateur.
Latest illusions in conjuring.
Address, 18 Broadway, New York.
ELMER V. RANSOM,
12th Season.
" Preslidigitateur."
Address, 172 South 9th Street, Brooklyn.
" HEWITT,"
Prestidigitateur and Illusionist. Twenty years before the British and American public, address Box 14, Station E, Brooklyn.
F. A. DANA,
Magician. Entertainments furnished for Lodges, Clubs and
Parties. Terms reasonable.
Address, No. 70 4th Avenue, Pantucketville, Lowell, Mass.
GEO. H. LITTLE,
Prestidigitateur and Shadowgraphist.
Can be engaged for Churches, Lodges, Theatres, etc.
Address, MAHATMA.

MUSICAL RUSSELLS,
Instrumentalists,
Specially adapted for Churches, Lodges, Theatres, etc.
Eor terms, address O. M. Russell, ay-27 3d Ave., N. Y. City.
LAYMAN,
MAN OE A THOUSAND FACES.
Address, care Miner's Bowery Theatre, N. Y.

MAGIC TRICK JUGGLING GOODS.

VENTRI1.OQ.1MST AND JUDY FIGURES. SWINGING
CLUBS.
Send 20 cents in stamps for 2$6 pages Magic, Illustrated Catalogue. Catalogue for Juggling Goods, Clubs, Ventriloquist and
Punch and Judy Figures free.
COLUMBIA MAGIC TRICK M'F G CO.,
121 Bowery, N. Y.

HIGH CLASS MAGIC,

FOR SALE.

Can be engaged for Churches, Lodges, etc.

Address. 102s Boston Road, N. Y. City.
I'ROE. B. FRENCH,

Send

Their will be no limit to the

All interesting news will be published.

MEEKER & MACK,

SONG AND DANCE ARTISTS,
In their own original creations.
Address No. 189 East 12th Street, New York City.

PROFESSIONAL CARDS.
(/ <; cents per no:tparcil line.)

Pupils fitted for Drawing-Room or Stage.

Weston Bros., of Hilton, N. J., are going on the road this Spring.
The Houdinis, Harry and Bessie, go with Welsh Bros, show this season.

AN ASSISTANT FOR MAGICIANS.

FOR SALE, one lirst class Sterecoplicon with oil and oxyhydrogen, lights, screens, shades, everything as good as new
COM $400. Price Si'? Win C-oodfellow. 9 Clay Street,
South Norwalk. Conn.

THI-i DONALDSON LITHOGRAPHING

COMPANY.
No.

W.

EIGHTH ST.,

CINCINNATI, O.

An assistant of experience can be engaged for single entertainments in New York or vicinity.
Address, ASSISTANT, care MAHATMA.

W. D. LEROY.
Manufacturer of
MAGICAL APPARATUS AND AN Tl SPIRITUALISTIC
ILLUSIONS.
NOVELTIES IN ALL BRANCHES OF THE ART.
Office and School of Magic:
103 COURT STREET, BOSTON, MASS.

We have six stock lithographs in Magician's paper, but acting

under instructions from Mr. Jack Curry, we offer for sale the
entire line of superb paper ret eitly gotten out by him forZanzic.
The paper is for sale as it is without stripping or dating, but is
easily rendered available for use by any one
ESTABLISHED 1851 BY N. E. CHASE.
No. 63 T. C. &Cakt\1Whole sheet, 4 colors.
MAGICIAN. A beautiful bill. Magician and devil. Sample
\Ylmli*itli
mill
Ililnil.
luniitm.
Ilrsigm
I and
sent by mail on receipt of o cents in stamps. Price per 100
$7.00.
No. 150 T. C. NabugumHalf sheet, 4 colors.
MAGICIAN. A magician in evening dress executing the hat
trick. Sent by mail on receipt of 5 cents in stamps. Price
per 100, S4.00.
No. 4997. C, Nafo/ot Halfsheet, 4 colors.
CIOLU FISH TRICK. A magician executing the gold fish trick.
Sample sent by mail on receipt of 5 cents in stamps. Price
per 100, $4.00.
No. 4987. C. &QofolikHalf sheet, 4 colors.
LE COCOON. This well known illusion beautifully portrayed.
BOSTON, MASS. , U. S. A.
Sample sent by mail on receipt of 5 cents in stamps. Price
per 100, $4,00.
c
No. 497^- - V^ofolejHalf sheet, 4 colors.
SPIRIT CABINET. An illustration of the cabinet trick. Sample
sent by mail on receipt of 5 cents in stamps. Price yper 100
$4.00.
No. 496T. C. hiof olahHalf sheet, 4 colors.
I HK VOODOO. An illusion somewhat similar to Le Cocoon.
Sample sent by mail on receipt of 5 cents in stamps. Price
per 100, $4.00.
No. 49s T. C. NofolttgThree sheet, 4 colors.
LilH/i si llnlisi in Hi, I'nilfil
Stntrs.
LK COCOON. A beautifully designed and splendidly executed
Si ml Stitmii fur list 11/ .Vcic Trick*.
poster. Sample sent by mail on receipt of 26 cents in stamps.
Price per 100, $21.00.
Znnzic paper consists of one sixteenth-sheet stand, one threesheet poster. Le Cocoon, one-whole sheet, and four half-sheets,
which we will sell at the low price of 6 cents per sheet. A Nuthiuu hut tilt Jiiieat apparatus made at this maun
sample set of the paper will be sent to any address in the
factory, and at prtces.iJiat defy competition.
United States or Canada on receipt of $1.32.

C. MILTON CHASE,

45 to 51 Cambridge Street,

ZlDabatma.

MANUFACTURERS OF

Ib^roocn d3ae, anb all apparatus pertaining to tbc same.

OFFICE AND LABORATORY:

1 8 7 ancl

1 8 9M U L B E R R Y

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Entertainer,
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Ur^ r ]^T r.

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SHADOWGRAPH APPARATUS.

KM

NEW ! !

IMPERIAL ENTERTAINMENT BUREAU

O. MATT

RUSSELL, MANAGER.

Agency for the most noted Entertainers. Musical Celebrities ,-ind Entertainments in every branch of the profession.
nished for all Instruments, also musicians for dancing or otherwise.

2X-27 'iff Areiitu% Room

SPECIAL I I I

L'i4, opposite

Coojtrr Institute,

These Cabinets comprise a complete set of properties used in

the production of shadow pictures, together with a fully Illustrated Book of Instructions showing the shadows and position
'Ithe hands and fingers. The properties numbering 20 pieces
.ire put up in a handsome box. which is sent free of charge on
receipt ot 60 cents.

MART1NKA & CO..

Teachers fur-

MANUFACTURERS.

40', SIXTH AVENUE.

AT. I'.

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I'F m-i m M w > s r.ivEN FOR PARTIES AND THEATRES AT SHORT NOTICE

1 nm now putting up ;i special $5.00 FIRE KING OUTFIT. I his outfit is the nt-:ite^t and cheapest practical outfit ever put
on sale in this country. It contains everything necessary to perform nil the leading li Fire Tricks." It is suitable for Stage or
Drawing Koom Entertainments. Each outfit is put up in a handsome casket, including a complete book explaining 28 of the best
Fire Tricks, so that "ANY ONE" can perform them with very little practice. E. BAKNELLO, 176 N. Clark St., Chicago, 111.

JOHN J. WHALEN,
MODERN

MAG.C

Permanent Address

IN ALL I T S B R A N C H E S .

40", S I X T H

AVENUE,

N.

Y.,01

HARRIGAN'S THEATRE.
ACADEMY OF MEDICAL M E S M E R I S M ' A N D HYPNOTISM.
Illustrated pamphlet, " How TO FIvr-N0Ti7E; or the Science of Suggestion." Price 15 cents. Weekly Experimental Clinics and
Class Seances, MONDAY and FRIDAY evenings at 8 o'clock; admission $1.00. Metaphysical and Fsychophysiological instruction j / " A T A 1 f~\C Latest Novelties, Tricks, Songs, photos.
daily and by illustrated correspondence. For regular course of instruction, " How to Hypnotize." Full particulars on receipt o L f t l A L U U
free. W i l l J A M E G G E R .
illuS]i
mailed
ostage. Address:DR. MCCARTHY, 256 West 115th St., N. Y. City.
157 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON, MASS.
" STOP THIEF," and send io cents for my New Catalogue containing all of my own Original Coin Feats and the very Latest
Experiments in Magic, Spiritalism, Etc., Etc. T. NELSON DOWNS, The King of Koins, Marshalltown, la.
DO YOU WANT TO GO IN THE SHOW BUSINESS, if so, all you need is a good act; here are two that require no skill
you can do them soon as you have the outfit. Black Art. full act, 3S-co, the best thing in magic. Sword Walking Outfit /.o,>
with secret how to walk Barefooted on Ladder of Sharp Swords; one third with order, balance C. O. D.
\V. Nhl.SON. Manufacturer, r, Fulton Street. Worcester. Mass.

.MUSSCI

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THE LARGEST ENTERTAINMENT BUREAU I N
THE UNITED STATES.

ALL

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ARTISTS

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^

CIRCULARS FOR MAGICIANS' A SPECIALTY. M

CIRCULARS RE-WRITTEN IF DESIRED.

t*~; j

II".I STED.Thc

nildreux of rmn //IIXO

intcrrstnl

in MAI1IC,

CORRESPONDENCE IN A L L LANGUAGES.

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107 West 29th Street, N. Y. City.

a g i c i a n s . I'l'is<' s e m i u s a l l n'->, i l a t r ^ , e l f .

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Bppnratud of evcr\> lunb 1na^c to oi^cr.

Our complete fully illustrated Book Catalogue with 500 engravings and description of every Trick and Novelty
up to date, will be sent on receipt of l o c . Illustrated Catalogue of Parlor Tricks free on application.

IMPORTANT TO MAGICIANS.
Since the issue of the new tariff we have reduced the price of extra fine Figured Felt, imported specially for
Magicians' table coverings, from 4O cents to 2 5 cents per square foot. Send 2 cent stamp for Samples.

NHW ADDITIONS.
M.igic change- of color of 3 white handkerchiefs, Glass Houlette. chosen Cards are blown out,
Bouquet of Rowers produced on common Plate. S
Paper Rolls in s colors, all sizes, and for all purposes,
Improved Champagne Bottle for Pigeon or Guinea
P i g .

if; 1 . 0 0

Acid tubes for Hash paper effect, per dozen. 30 cents.

MANUFACTURERS

THE ONLY PAPER IN THE UNITED STATES DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF MAGICIANS, SPIRITUALISTS, MESMERISTS, ETC.

NEW YORK, A PR II, j 89 5.

THE ORIGINAL HERRMANN.
'PRINCE OF CONJURERS.'

SINGLE COPY,. 10 CENTS.

his chief traits which made him so popular was his

great charity, which was exemplified only a few days before
his death by his sending 1,500 francs for the relief of the
victims of the Opera Comique disaster. Herrmann's chief
hobby while in retirement was the collecting of rare antiquities, in acquiring which he spared neither time nor money.
Herrmann died at Carlsbad in June, 1887, after a short illness, at the age of seventy-two, leaving his large fortune and
collection of antiques to his second wife, a French lady.
His first wife was Rosa Essilag, a prima donna, from whom
he was divorced. A number of amusing anecdotes are told
of Herrmann, one or two of which will do very well as a
sample. The first I shall relate is to the effect that Herrmann
while on the River Platte was giving
a private representation before the
Patagonian chiefs, and, though exerting his wonderful abilities to the
utmost, was somewhat annoyed at
the stolidity and apparent lack of surprise with which they received the
marvels displayed. Showers of gold
and packs of cards were made to fall
from their ears and noses, dozens of
eggs from their pockets, and live
canaries from their hair, and still they
sat on undismayed. At last, after
the entertainment was over, it was
discovered that one of them had abstracted a valuable gold watch from
the Professor's fob while the latter
was disengaging a miraculous fowl
// from the savage's breast; and that
' the untutored mind of another had
led him to improve the occasion by
innexing a handkerchief and pencil
case. The other anecdote is, that
the unfortunate Sultan Abdul Aziz
was among Herrmann's warmest
admirers, and used to pay him a
thousand pounds (Turkish) for every representation. During
one of these performances he exhibited two pigeons, one
white and one black, and did the trick, so popular in the
beginning of this century, of placing the wl.ite head on the
black pigeon and vice versa; this pleased the Sultan greatly
and he asked Herrmann to try the same trick with a black
and white slave, but the conjurer declared that this was
beyond his powers.

The original Herrmann was CAKI. HERRMANN of Berlin, we

say the original from the fact that a number of unscrupulous
performers have adopted that name in order to bask in the
sunshine of his reflected glory. Carl Herrmann was born in
Germany in the year 181 > His father who was also a conjurer by profession took his son, while still a boy, with him to
Paris, where the young conjurer by his dexterity attracted
much attention; notwithstanding this, his great ambition
was to become a physician, and he entered the Paris
University to study medicine, but
after ten years' struggle with poverty, ambition gave way before privation and he resumed his old profession, which brought him both
fame and fortune. His style of performance was of the non-apparatus
order, depending mainly on sleight
of hand and address, and he possessed most extraordinary skill in this
school of magic, fully entitling him
to be styled "the first professor of
magic in the world." He is the
only conjurer who has had the honor
of giving lessons to a Royal personage, he having at one time the Queen
of Belgium as a pupil. In 1848 he
made his first appearance before an
English speaking audience at the
Adelphi Theatre, London, where he
produced for the first time in England
" Second Sight," which he had copied from Houdin in France. Early
in the sixties he made a tour of America, meeting with unparalleled success. It was at his farewell performance that he introduced his brother, the present Alexander
Herrmann, as his legitimate successor in this country.
His tours extended over the entire civilized world, and
there was probably not a Royal Court in Europe before
which he did not perform and from which he did not receive
some mark of favor. It is said that the decorations and
tokens received by him would fill a small trunk. The
Czar Nicholas, in particular, bestowed valuable favors on
Herrman, who, it is said, cleared a million roubles on one
Russian tour. Having amassed a large fortune he went into
MAHATMA is published monthly in the interests of Magiretirement in Vienna where he was very popular, and when cians, Spiritualists, Mesmerists, jugglers, etc., at $1.00 per
he celebrated his seventieth birthday, a distinguished com- year, payable in advance, For rates of advertising see second
pany assembled at his residence to congratulate him. One of page.

/115 a bat ma.

ISSUED THE ist OF EACH MONTH.

GEO.

H. LITTLE,

EDITOR AND PROPRIETOR.

107 WEST 2Qth STREET, NEW YORK, U. S. A.

SUBSCRIPTION, $I.OO PER YEAR, SINGLE COPIES 10 CENTS.
RATKS OF ADVERTISEMENTS.Twenty cents per line, nonpareil type measure; space ol
one inch $2.40 each insertion. A deduction of 20 per cent, is allowed on advertisements when
paid for three months in advance, and on advertisements measuring 50 lines or more.
For Sale or Exchange column, [$ cents a line. Copyrighted March, 1895.
Remittances should be made by cheque, post office or express money order, or registered
letter.
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.

TO MAHATMA'S READERS.

the size of pocket handkerchiefs, pushing them one at a time

completely under the acid, after which you place the
handkerchief in a dish of flowing water, and wash them
thoroughly until all trace of the acid has been removed, this
is ascertained by the use of blue litmus paper, which when
brought in contact with the fabric must not show the least
shade of red. Then dry the handkerchief, but not near a
stove as they are liable to explode.
Paper is prepared in the same way. On account of the
fumes which ascend from the acid, it is advisable to make
the experiment in the open air.
The trick of throwing a piece of paper in the air when it
suddenly ignites, is produced by the use of Hash paper, and
is accomplished in the following manner.
Order from a glass blower some very fine glass tubes, no
thicker than a darning needle. The tube you cut with a fine
file in lengths of about two inches, and close one end by
holding over a gas jet until it melts. Fill the tube with sulphuric acid, and close the other end in the same way.
Make a mixture of one part of chlorate of potash, and one
part of powdered sugar; take a piece of flash paper about
3 x 2 and place in it a very small quantity of the mixture, and
on it you place one of the acid tubes. Fold the paper carefully so that you will not break the glass tube, and bend the
ends up to avoid spilling the powder. Then take the prepared paper in the finger tips and press down with the
thumb, which will crush the acid tube. Throw the paper
immediately into the air as high as you can, when it will
explode by the action of the acid upon the powder.
The paper and acid tubes are used by some fire kings
with excellent effect. They are also being used in the demon
scene of the popular play "The Brownies."

It is with pleasure that the publisher of MAHATMA can

state that he is in receipt of many letters from all parts of
the United States and Europe congratulating him upon the
first appearance of this paper. It will be the aim of MAHATMA to keep up to the times, and its readers can rest assured
that all news of interest to the fraternity will find its way
into the columns of this paper. It is necessary that those
interested should contribute all news of interest, and all are
invited to contribute. Commencing with an humble eight
pages, it has been enlarged this month to twelve.
All of our readers are requested to co-operate with the
editor to make this journal a concensus of news interesting
to Magicians, Mesmerists, Jugglers and Spiritualists. Let
your contributions be but one line, it will be received with
th.inks and duly appreciated.
MAHATMA will be enlarged as occasion requires, and all
A RUMOR.
news will be published, no matter how many pages it will
There is a rumor which however cannot be substantiated,
require to do it.
The advertising columns ot this paper are patronized by that a syndicate of capitalists have under consideration the
forming of a stock company for the purpose of erecting in
the honest dealer, who expect to see you again, and sell to this city, a theatre similar to the Egyptian Hall, in London,
you again; thus ensuring to the customer who sends his where magical performances alternating with scientific lecorder and money, the true valuation of the money received. tures will be the leading features. We have no doubt but
what it would prove a profitable investment if the right locaMAHATMA'S advertising columns are open to all who wish
tion
could be secured for it.
to sell or trade, and the advertiser can rest assured that
all persons interested in magical goods of all descriptions
IN OUR NEXT ISSUE.
throughout this country and Europe read the columns of
MAHATMA. While there are other papers with a much larger
In the next issue of this paper will be exposed MAHATMA'S
circulation, it can be claimed that they do not equal this way of loading the " High Hat."
An excellent idea of the disappearing handkerchief box.
paper for the benefit to be derived. The readers of MAHATMA
How to work the fish bowl without letting go of the
are the purchasers that the advertisers want, .ind in order
Handkerchief.
to sell you must advertise your wares.
An original snake trick never performed in public.
NEW FIRE EFFECTS FOR MAGICIANS.

CUT OFF HIS HEAD.

The so-called flash handkerchiefs have been used but very

little by magicians on account of the expense attached to
them; although the effect used is certainly astonishing. For
many purposes in magic, paper prepared in the same way
as the handkerchiefs will answer the same purpose.
An astonishing effect is produced by throwing a small
piece of paper in the air, when suddenly it bursts into a
flame and vanishes leaving no trace. For those who wish
to make their own material for the different fire effects, they
can do so by following the instructions below.
FLASH HANDKERCHIEFS.Wash thin cambric in hot water
to remove all greese and other impurities, and then dry it.
Mix aqua fortis, 1 pound, and sulphuric acid, 2 pounds, in a
glass jar. After the acid has been prepared, let it stand
twelve hours, then it is ready for use. Cut the cambric to

A Hartford paper states that while visiting "Jewett" the

noted Hartford magician, in his den the other evening, Jewett took his head by the hair in one hand and with the other
hand taking a sword he deliberately and completely severed
his head from his body. This ghastly spectacle will never
be forgotten. An instant later the magician placed his head
back on his body and with a snap of his finger the head adjusted itself and the magician smiled. This is Jewett's latest
sensation which he will perform at the opera house next season, and he says that it will go way ahead of the shooting act.
MAGICIAN'S WOOING."We need no ring to plight our
troth," he suggested, as he kissed her impetuously. "Yes,
we do," retorted the maiden. "None of your slight of hand
tricks with me."T)etroit Tribune.

flDabatma.
EXPHRIMHNTS IN PRESTIDIGITATION.
Spirit Slates.Two ordinary wooden framed slates are
presented to the spectators, and examined in succession by
them. A small piece of chalk is introduced between the
two slates, which are then united by a rubber band and held
aloft in the prestidigitator's right hand.
Then, in the general silence, is heard the scratching of the
chalk, which is writing between the two slates the answer
to a question asked by one of the spectatorsthe name of a
card thought of or the number of spots obtained by throwing
two dice. The rubber band having been removed and the
slates separated, one of them is seen to be covered with
writing. This prodigy, which at first sight seems to be so
mysterious, is very easily realized.
The writing was done in advance: but upon the written
side of the slate A there had been placed a thin sheet of black
card-board which hid the characters written with chalk.
The two sides of this slate thus appeared absolutely clean.
The slate B is first given out for examination, and, after it
has been returned to him, the operator says: "Do you want

written with. When the operator judges that this little

comedy has lasted quite long enough, he lays the two slates
horizontally upon his table, taking care, this time, that the
non-prepared slate shall be beneath (Fig. 2). It is upon it
that then rests the black cardboard, and the other slate, on
being raised, shows the characters that it bears, and that are
stated to have been written by an invisible spirit that slipped
in between the two slates.
Our readers will not ask us how we manage to know in
advance what should be written upon the slate. It is useless
to say that deceit is allowable in prestidigitation; loaded dice
always turn up the same number, and nothing is easier than
to know the name of the card that a spectator will draw from
a pack composed of thirtv-two similar cards, if one is not
skillful enough to cause him to take the forced card.
THH PHANTOM BOUQUET.
The spherical concave mirror produces certain effects
where the virtual image appears behind the mirror, the
the image is a magnified one. The real image, which appears in front of the concave mirror, may be either larger or
smaller than the object itself, depending upon the position of
the object relative to the mirror and the observer. It is in-

CONOAVE MIRBOn.

verted, and is formed in the air. A candle placed between

the centre of curvature of the mirror and the principal focus
forms an inverted image in air. which is larger than itself.
The phantom bouquet, an interesting and very beautiful
to examine the other one also?" And then, without any
haste, he makes a pass analogous to that employed in shuf- optical illusion, is produced by placing a bunch of flowers
fling cards. The slate A being held by the thumb and fore- (either natural or artificial) in an everted position, behind a
finger of the left hand and the slate B between the fore and shield of some sort, and projecting its image into the air
middle finger of the right hand (Fig. i.) the two hands are by means of a concave mirror. A magnifying hand glass
brought together. Rut at the moment at which the slates answers the purpose, if of the right focal length, and a few
are superposed, the thumb and forelinger of the \ right hand books may serve as a shield. Two black covered books are
grasp the slate A, while at the same time the fore and middle placed upon one end and arranged at an angle with each
finger of the left hand take the slate B. Then the two hands other, and a third book is laid horizontally on the ends of the
separate anew, and the slate that has already been examined, standing books. The bouquet is hung top downward in the
instead of the second one, is put into the hands of the spec- angle of the books, and a vase is placed on the upper book,
tator. This shifting, done with deliberation, is entirely over the hanging bouquet.
invisible. During the second examination the slate A is
The concave mirror is arranged so that the prolongation
laid flat upon a table, the written face turned upward and of its axis will bisect the angle formed by lines drawn from
covered with black cardboard. The slate having been suffi- the top of the vase and the upper part of the suspended bouciently examined, and been returned to the operator, the quet, and it is removed from the bouquet and vase a distance
latter lays it upon the first, and both are then surrounded by about equal to its radius of curvature.
the rubber band.
A little experiment will determine the correct position for
It is then that the operator holds up the slates with the left the mirror. When the proper adjustment is reached, a wonhand, of which one sees but the thumb, while upon the pos- derfully real image of the bouquet appears in the air over the
terior face of the second slate the nail of his middle finger vase. With a good mirror and careful adjustment, the
makes a sound, resembling that produced by chalk when illusion is very complete. The bouquet being inverted, its

/IDabatma.
it; draws the latter from below, and now shows No. 2
empty. He then puts No. 2 through No. 1 again; then he
shows No. 1 again empty. Now he puts No. ) over 2, 4
over 3, s over 4, and 6 over 5; each being shown empty.
He then takes out first the table cloth, knives, forks and napkins. He unfolds the table cloth, under cover of which he
produces three plates, from the front pocket of his coat. The
tablecloth he spreads on the table, and the plates, knives and
forks arranged in proper order.
He now produces from the cylinders the objects therein
prepared, always placing the cylinders one over the other,
and showing them alternatively empty.
It is almost impossible to make a mistake. When finishTHE BEWITCHED ORGAN. OR THE MAGIC SUPPER. ed and all contents taken from the cylinders, the performer
should lay them all down upon the table, showing them
This trick is remarkable for its simplicity, and great credit empty. The objects are hanging in the cylinders by means
is due the well known inventor, A. de Kerbec, of New York, of metal hooks, and on the back of the cylinders. In
for the genius shown in producing it. It was first introduced putting the cylinders one over the other, the hooks remain
in London, by that very clever exponent of magic, Mr. Imro hanging on the larger cylinder, and of course also the conFox, the comic conjurer, who stands upon a pinnacle diffi- tents fastened on the other side of the hooks".
cult for the cleverest magician to imitate or approach, and
CHAPEAUGRAPHY. FIGUKK II.CHINAMAN.
as shown in his inimitable way produces the very best effect.
It consists of 6 large polished tin cylinders, numbered reThe Chinaman is perhaps one of the best and most amusspectively from i to 6, which are placed upon a piece 01
board, and which may be examined by the audience, the ing characters. The felt for this hat must be twisted twice,
board is supported upon the back of two chairs. The cylin- as shown in Figure A. When placing the hat on your head,
first push your hair well up. so that it cannot be seen, Chinaimage is erect. A very effective way of illuminating the
bouquet, which is due to Prof. W. Le Conte Stevens, of
Brooklyn, is shown in the engraving. It consists in placing
two candles near the bouquet and behind the shield, one
candle upon either side of the bouquet. In addition to this,
he places the entire apparatus on a pivoted board, so that it
may;,be swung in a horizontal plane, allowing the phantom
to be viewed by a number of spectators.
This simple experiment illustrates the principle of Herschel's
reflecting telescope. In that instrument the image of the
celestial object is projected in air by reflection and magnified
by the lenses of the eyepiece.
c. H. H.-sde,,nfic American.

Figure A.
ders resemble organ pipes, and are each slightly smaller
than each other, so that No. 2 will pass through No. 1, and
No. 3 wilt pass through No. 2, and so on. The performer
tells the audience how he came into possession of the pipes.
On his return from South Africa he met near the Island of
St. Helena, a wrecked ship. Two sailors and an organ
builder were all that remained of the crew and passengers.
There were but a few of the organ pipes saved, and he had
purchased six of them, having found out their secret. He
then passes the pipes one by one to the audience for examination, and replaces them upon the board. He then invites
a committee of two persons in the audience to dine at his
expense. After they are seated he begins to set the table;
taking out with sleeves rolled up, the following articles:
1 table cloth, 2 napkins, 3 plates, 2 pair of knives and
forks, some boiled eggs, loaf of bread, roasted chicken, 1
bottle of wine, 2 tumblers, 1 bottle of brandy, a couple of
glasses and a vase of flowers.
Following is an explanation.
There are six cylinders, 18 inches high, the smallest being
6 inches in diameter, the other five slightly larger than each
other so that they pass easily into each other. The cylinders
for better convenience are numbered from 1 to 6, and are
standing side by side on the table, see cut. Cylinders No.
1 is empty, and inside of the remaining cylinders are the articles suspended by means of hooks.
The performer shows No. 1 empty, and places No. 2 over

men generally being minus it on the front of their heads,

To make this more effective hold your first finger of each
hand up as a Tally.

You must stand facing the audience. To make yourself look

more like a "Heathen Chinee," take one side of your handkerchief and tuck it all around your collar, letting trie handkerchief hang down in front of your coat as shown in Figure B.

/iDabatma.
SHADOWGRAPHY.
To the casual observer Shadowgraphy seems an easy feat
to learn, but in actual practice and when well done there is
nothing more difficult than shadowgraphs, requiring as it
does nimble fingers and the patience that but few performers possess. There are but few men of note in this country
to-day doing this act, the reason is easy to account for, it
not only requires great skill but an ingenious brain. Henri

CAT.

Cazman, calling himself Europe's greatest fantaisist and

shadowist, is an example of what practice will do when
combined with gracethat no man possesses more than
heto make an entertainment that cannot be surpassed,
joined as it is with high class magic and chapeaugraphy.
This skillful performer should be seen to be appreciated.

distance. On the brim of the painted hat is pasted a small

triangular piece of white silk which represents the white
handkerchief hanging out from the opening of the hat. The
back of the metal sheet is of the same pattern as the table
covering. On the lowest part of the sham hat is a long hinge
fastened on, so that when the hat rests over it, it rests in a
recess made in the top of the table and thus exhibits the mosaic
pattern which forms the covering of the table, the painted
hat side being hidden in the recess which is also of the same
pattern as the general covering. In the top of the table
which is not thicker than about one and a quarter inches,
right under the hinge of the sham hat, in a long groove is concealed the working mechanism. It consists of a strong plate
of brass on which another plate slides in grooves forward
and backward. On the lower brass plate is fixed the end
of a strong flat spring, on the other end which lies exactly
under the center of the table, another small plate is fastened
with an eye on the lower side of it. This eye serves for the
connection with a cord which runs through the hollow leg
and leads to the assistant's hidden place. On the upper part
of said small plate is soldered on a triangular piece of iron,
against which there is a small flat piece of steel spring which
is fixed on the lower part of the hinge, on the bottom of the
sham hat where it rests when it is erect.
Two spiral springs are stretched from the triangular piece
of iron on which they are fastened, one of them leading to
the edge, the other to the center of the table. The spring
on the edge side is connected with the sliding upper plate
already mentioned, and when it is stretched by means of a
cord attached on the other side of this plate, the sham hat
rises, pushes against the triangular piece and stands upright,
held in position by the flat spring affixed on the lower metal
plate. A spring catch is fastened on the upper plate to
avoid the slackening of the spiral.
To let down the sham hat in this recess the front springs
must be slackened so that only the back spring remains

THH VAN1SHF.1) HAT.

The performer on the beginning of this trick, shows the
audience a round, one legged table, without fringes, the top
of which is ornamented with scroll work design.
Taking a large foulard which he throws over his arm, he
steps down among his spectators and borrows a high hat,
and from other persons various articles such as watches,
keys, handkerchiefs, etc., which he places in the borrowed
hat. Covering all with the large foulard, he goes back to the
stage, places the hat on the table, and takes the foulard away,
drawing the attention of the audience to the fact that a piece
of a borrowed handkerchief is hanging out from the hat.
Meanwhile the assistant has brought forward an easel of
light wood work, the upper cross piece of which is provided
with several small hooks. With the aid of the assistant the
performer fastens the foulard to the hooks so that it hangs
down like a curtain. The easel is then placed behind the
table some 24 inches distant from it.
The performer informs his audience that he will make the
hat disappear and cause the articles to appear on the foulard
stretched on the easel. He then takes a pistol and fires at
the hat. Instantly it vanishes, and the borrowed objects are
seen hanging on the foulard, and the hat is fixed on the ceiling, or any other part of the hall or theatre.
AN KXPLANATION.

The hat which the performer exhibits on the table after he

returns to the stage, is not the same one he borrowed, but
is only a metal sheet, cut in the shape of a high hat. On
the side facing the audience it is artistically painted to resemble a high silk hat, and deceives the eye even from a short

stretched, which alone holds the sham hat in an erect position. To accomplish this, at the top of the table in reach of
the performer, an upright wire, which is fastened on the
catch spring, comes out, this wire pressed down keeps the
spring from losing its action.
When the pistol is fired the assistant pulls the cord and
the back spiral spring draws with velocity the sham hat in
the recess.

flDabatma.
When the performer first borrows the hat and places the
FROM OUR TEXAS CORRESPONDENT.
foulard over it, he returns to the stage and gives it to his
assistant to hold, but the assistant misunderstanding him
Prof. J. S. Means has received from Thos. Yoest a lot ot
will enter the side wing of the stage, but half out of sight; new apparatus, and commences his summer season at Denhe will be recalled by the performer who reprimands him. nison, Texas, May the 3d, 1895.
The assistant returns and delivers to the performer the hat
Prof. H. Hugo, magician, is in Waco, and will tour thestill covered with the foulard. The genuine hat, foulard and South and Texas, with J. S. Means.
contents are already in possession of the second attendant
A. W. Thomas the jolly fat old magician has bought
who waited behind the wings to accept the genuine article, Dr.Capt.
Henthorne's
Medicine Co. and Pavilion Show, and is
and to exchange it for a dummy one. The foulard which is doing a fine business
in So. Texas.
then brought forward is merely another foulard of the same
Prof. Williard, magician, is traveling in Texas, and reports
pattern, and in the center of which there is a folding wire
ring in the shape of the brim of a hat, and when properly business good.
Prof. J. B. Hardy, who claims to be the oldest living Amerheld makes the audience believe that he has the hat. When
the performer with the foulard reaches the table he makes ican magician, has retired and is living in Gatesville, where
the movement of placing the hat upon the table, pulls the he has accumulated considerable wealth. Prof. Hardy is 80
cord of the upper sliding plate which sets the spring and years of age and has been in the business 66 years and claims
catch in action, and raises the sham hat. The empty foulard to have given the first public performance ever given in Salt
Lake City, Utah. He first appeared as a magician in Caliis then dropped.
fornia
at the age of 16 years.
Meanwhile the assistant has brought the easel, exchanges
The Texas Legislature has reported favorably on the bill
the dropped foulard with another of the same pattern which
contains all of the borrowed objects, and which is prepared of reducing the license on magical performances, and it will
as follows: In the middle of the foulard another half foulard very likely become a law.
J. S. MEANS.
is sewn, and constitutes a flap and which covers either hall
of the foulard. The objects are attached on the upper hall
MAHATMA'S NEWS.
and between the flap. The flap is held on the upper edge
by a thin wire which passes through the length of the foulProf. James, of Brooklyn, is filling local dates only.
ard, and on the end of which a black thread is fastened
G. Q_ueen, of Moosup, Conn., is touring his own State.
which leads to the place of the assistant.
When the thread is pulled it causes the (lap to drop, and
G. H. Ellsworth, magician, of Seaforth, Ont., Canada, rethe objects are revealed.
ports fair business.
The pulling ot the thread from the foulard as well as the
Herz and Berger, of Dennison, Texas, are purchasing an
cord from the spring in the table must be done at the report outfit for the coming season.
of the pistol. The hat can be made to appear at the option
Prof. Emil Miller, of Paterson, N. J., is introducing an
of the performer from the ceiling or elsewhere.
original program and is filling local dates in his vicinity.
Imro Fox and Henri Cazman are the star performers at
BIRTHDAY OF SPIRITUALISM.
Keith's Union Square theatre, for week ending March 30th.
Prof. Louis C. Smith, of Albany, N. Y., the favorite maChLbBRATION OK THE FORTY-S1-.VHNTH ANNIVF.KSARY.
The Spiritualists celebrated the forty-seventh anniversary gician of that city, reports that he is well booked for April.
Pixon and Owens, of Reading, Pa., will present several
of the advent of spiritualism March 31st. at Carnegie Music
new
illusions this coming season in connection with their
Hall. A big crowd was present and there was lots of encabinet mysteries.
thusiasm.
Prof. R. L. Robinson, ventriloquist, illusionist and shadMr. J. Clegg Wright, a medium, went into a trance and
made an address nearly an hour in length, unconscious all owgraphist, of Minneapolis, Minn., congratulates MAHATMA
the time. Edgar W. Emerson and other mediums brought upon its first appearance and says it is just what is wanted.
spirits into the hall, who told their friends present how happy
Maurice Raymond, the necromancer, of Cleveland, Ohio,
they were in the spirit land.
has been sick lor the past six weeks, but has recovered and
The principal address of the day was made by Luther R. will play small towns through Ohio, Indiana, and Penn.
Marsh, who is an ardent spiritualist. His remarks were in
Prof. W. Benjamin has just returned from Mexico, where
praise of his faith and prophetic of the future power of spir- he has been running his own show for the past two years.
itualism. He told of its beginnings, and how it had come The Professor expects to open in South America next season.
to take the place of the superstition of the past.
Prof. Fancher and wife are giving an entire program conSpiritualism, he said, was no longer an inquiry or belief;
it had passed the realm of conjecture, hope, and faith. It sisting of magic, singing, dancing, etc. They start the i^th
stands on a rock. Knowledge has been substituted for faith. of April for a tour through Indiana, Illinois and Missouri.
Prof. Lehr writes that he has just finished a six weeks' tour
Jf there is such a thing as absolute knowledge, it is spiritualism. Many will not look on it, for they are too incredulous, through old Mexico, to a very satisfactory business. He is
too absurd in other things, too indifferent. They close their now touring the northwest and coast and expects to be
eyes to the true knowledge. But unbelief affects only the home at Chicago in July.
unbeliever, and what is dark to him is not so to another who
Prof. B. G. Arden, Spanish magician and fire king, is inwill see.
troducing the latest novelties in high class prestidigitation,
In the evening another meeting was held, devoted for the and has signed for his second season with the White Spear
Specialty and Novelty Co.
most part to practical tests of mediums.
Prof. Hewes of Brooklyn, has now in preparation some
new inventions of illusions. Levitation, Mystery of the
MAHATMA is informed that Chapeaugraphy was originated by a Frenchman named Taborin, and "is known on Great Lama, Decapitation of Mena Mahomet, the Seven Ages,
the Continent as the Taborin feat of hats and faces, and Mazie and the Dragon's Dream.
is not original with that clever performer "Trewey" who
All business communications to MAHATMA, should be adntroduced it in this country.
dressed to the publishing rooms, 493 Sixth Ave., N. Y. City

/lOabatma.
Prof. Kellar played one week in Brooklyn to crowded
houses. Producing a program never surpassed in the city
of churches.
The Great "Powell" has met with the greatest success
this past season. It is rumored that he is negotiating for a
well known theatre in this city for next season.
Herrmann the Great, reports unparalleled success upon his
recent tour in the West. Professor Herrmann will stop at
Herrmann Manor, Whitestone, L I., Sunday next, on his
way to Boston.
Prof. A. S. Conlin and wife in her mind reading and second sight act, have been working small towns in Indiana,
Illinois and Kentucky, and will join Beveridge's Show for
the coming summer season.
W. S. Wright, the well known and popular head of
Wright's Theatrical and Entertainment Exchange of this city,
has disposed of his interests at the end of this season, and is
open to negotiate in a managerial capacity for next season.
"Jewett" is booked for the Hyperion Theatre, New Haven,
on Easter Monday. MAHATMA having received an invitation
from the Hartford magician to visit him at his "den," it
will be the pleasure of MAHATMA to give the details of this
visit in the near future. It will be of interest to magicians
for "Jewett" has the finest and largest collection of magical
apparatus in this country.
Chevalier Thorn will open at Buda Pesth, the capital of
Hungary, Austria. He will present his various illusions and
also reproduce those now exhibited at the Egyptian Hall,
London. Chevalier Thorn is the first magician in Europe
making an extensive use of colored lithographs for advertising. His posters are very artistic and catchy, but they do not
compare with the work of the American lithographic artists
who must be conceded the palm for pictorial posters.
Canary and Lederer are arranging fora grand exposition of
magic next fall. They intended to have it in the Bijou theatre, but if their present plans are carried out the Metropolitan
Opera House will have to be engaged. Professor Kellar,
Powelk Jewett, De Kolta and Carl and Guz Hartz are among
those who have been asked to appear. The first presentation in America of the famous Walker illusion and the exposure of Professor Herrmann's bullet catching trick are
among the marvels promised.
CHAMELION LIQUIDS.

that its effect is due in part to a well known principle in physics, and in part
to the wine glasses used, which are made so as to contain, at most, not more
than a thimbleful. The trick having become common and generally understood, conjurers began to look about for a means whereby something similar
in elfoct could be produced, but by altogether dissimilar means. The result
is a bottle trick in which lager beer is furnisned in sufficient quantity to satisfy the thirst of a large audience. It is a very effective trick, and to it one
well-known performer almost entirely owes his success. It is only suitable
(or public exhibition, however, as the beer is pumped up from beneath the
stage, and passes through rubber tubing, concealed in the dress of the perfoimer, to the bottle held in the hand. The connection with the stage is
made by means of a hollow boot-heel, and during the progress of the trick,
the performer is unable to move.

MAGIC AT PROCTOR'S HARTFORD THEATRE.

" lewett" entertained a very large audience of the best description at the
Opera House, in a delightful manner. His methods of performance and his
conversational comments are remarkably smooth and pleasing, and his tricks
are always striking and wonderful. Some of the mechanical tricks are astonishing enough, but really the sleight of hand are much superior, and they
take best with the audience. A number of these were carried out in the first
two parts, the marked quarter trick, the fifteen half dollars, and the slate
writing being perhaps the neatest and best. Later, a casket puzzle was carried out as such things are, under the inspection of some one from the audience,
and the boy that was locked into a trunk re-appeared at the back of the audience, and when he had been tied in a sack he was changed to a pretty
young girl with a colored doll. And then the flags of all nations were drawn
from a case that seemed empty. In the fourth part the shooting act, with
which Herrmann created such a sensation in New York, was very neatly carried out. Tile soldiers marched upon the stage, the bullets were marked by
Sheriff Preston and Mr. Oakey, then loaded into four muskets and fired at
Mr. Jewett, who gathered them into his hands as they came and produced
them for the inspection of the audience. It was rather a thrilling act, and
the crack of the muskets was undoubtedly the crack of loaded cartridges,
while the gun seemed aimed straight at the magician. In the last part Indian mysteries were very prettily performed in a semi-obscure cabinet. Vases
were made to come and go, oranges floated through the air hither and
thither, vessels enlarged or diminished in full sight, and a plant grew and
burst into blossoms that were distributed to the ladies. The whole had an
air of mystery at once appropriate and delightful, and it finished a performance
which would be deemed to rank among the very best of the kind given here

MY OLD VILLAGE HOME.

DK. ALBERT MERLIN JOINS THE RANKS OF AMERICAN COMPOSERS

A GOOH CHHMICAI. TRICK.

Fake five glasses, place in the first a solution of iodide of

potassium, into the second a solution of corrosive sublimate
sufficiently strong to yield a scarlet precipitate with the
iodide in the first glass without re-dissolving, as the effect
of the experiment depends on the adjustment of this before
hand; into the third a strong solution of iodide of potassium
with some oxalate of ammonia; into the fourth a solution of
murate of lime; into the fifth a solution ol hydrosulphate of
.ammonia. The following changes occur:
Number one added to number two produces a yellow
quickly changing to a scarlet. Number two poured into
number three becomes clear and transparent again; number
three into number four changes to a milky white; number
four poured into number five produces a black precipitate.
Thus a clear and colorless liquid is changed to scarlet; the
scarlet again becomes colorless; the colorless liquid milky
white, and the white black.
THE INEXHAUSTIBLE BOTTLE.
The inexhaustible bottle, which produces different liquors, and apparently
in endless quantity, was first made popular in this country by Professor Anderson, and since his day has been exhibited by very many magicians. Of
ate years, it has been sold in the toy shops, and the public have learned

MY OLD VILLAGE HOME

I long for the dear ones at home,
I miss them as no one can tell;
Dear father and mother, dear sister and brother,
In the old village home I love well.
'Twas there that we parted with tears in our eyes
And a blessing of love on my ear,
Oh, 1 long to go back and find them all well
In the old village home I love dear.
CHORUS.

To see them once more will gladden the heart,

1 miss them as no tongue can tell;
Oh, I long with a sigh, and with tears m my eye,
For my old village home in the dell.
1 dream of the dear ones at home,
When sleeping I'm back in the dell;
Thro' the old village street, to the wild rustic seat,
And I drink from the old fashioned well,
With shoutings of joy I am met at the gate,
And no more I've decided to roam,
1 awake, it's a dream, then I mournfully sigh,
For a glimpse of my old village home.
Copies of this song can be purchased from Dr. Merlin, London Museum,
Chicago, Illinois.

/iDabatma.
LETTER FROM OUR CHICAGO CORRESPONDENT.
Chicago, 111., March 25th, 1895.
Another turn of the magical kaleidoscope brings to view
in the window city numerous changes to the wonder working fraternity,
The chief events of the month is the first appearance here
this season of Kellar, who is billed as the "Great Magician,"
opening at the Schiller Theatre, March 24th, for two weeks.
The pictorial wall paper and window lithographs, used in
advertising this attraction, is conceded to be the handsomest
printing in color and artistic design ever put up in this city
to advertise an entertainment of mystery.
Prof. Kellar, assisted by Mrs. Kellar, were greeted by a
large and appreciative audience, problem after problem in
magic was presented to the delight and amazement of the
spectators, and Kellar's entertainment is sure to draw packed
houses during his two weeks stay here, as he has a program
of wonderful illusions entirely new to the amusement lovers
of this city. Kellar and wife received excellent press notices
from all of the Chicago papers, proclaiming his entertainment to be unsurpassed.
Kellar has, in my estimation, the strongest mystery show
ever presented in this country. I state this with a knowledge gained by experience and observation, as I have seen
every magician of note who has appeared in the United
States since the days of Robert Heller.
Horrmann, the up to date magician, has just closed a very
prosperous engagement of several weeks in this city, having
played in the principal vaudeville houses here with great
success. He is a very clever conjurer, and depends entirely
on dexterity for his success, and is original in his performances. He is to open in Pope's Theatre, St. Louis, the second week in April. Two weeks later he is at Wanger's
Theatre, New Orleans, La. His new illusion "the globe of
the world" is one of the handsomest pieces of apparatus I
have seen in a long time, and the mechanism is the acme of
perfection. He reports it is making a great hit wherever
presented, and is a strong finish to his act, deserving the
applause it nightly receives.
Prof. Scheidler passed through this city last week on his
way to Minneapolis, Minn., where he was booked to play a
two weeks' engagement, commencing March 25th at Kohl
and Middleton's museum. At the close of his engagement
in Minneapolis, he is to return to Chicago for a two weeks'
engagement at Kohl & Middleton's houses here, commencing April 8th.
Miss Mollie Roberts, his assistant in second sight, has been
in this city during the winter months, located at the home
of her mother, Mrs. Roberts, who by the way is a wellknown spirit medium, and gives seances at her home for
full form materialization.
Prof. Houdini, the "wonder worker," who appeared at
the dime museums here a few months ago, with a barrel
mvstery, has fully recovered from a severe attack of the grip,
which he contracted while playing his last engagement at
Kohl & Middleton's Museum in this city. The barrel mystery he sold this week to Prof. Phillips, the American jap
Magician, who has just closed at the London Musee. Prof.
Phillips intends to take the barrel East and present it as a
Japanese mystery. Prof. Houdini and his assistant, Mme.
Ola, are busy practicing a new theosophic wonder, invented
by Prof. Houdini, and entitled "The Temple of Buddha," a
clever idea and a new departure in illusionary effects. A
small cabinet thirty inches deep by twenty-four high, represents a Buddhist temple, in which the usual spirit manifestations and a number of new ones are presented. The cabinet is apparently empty, and manifestations take place while
the door of the cabinet is open and the audience are looking
into the interior of the temple.

Prof. Melohn, a successful business man of this city, who

has taken up the study ol modern magic as a pastime and a
hobby, gave a very enjoyable entertainment to 500 invited
guests at Young's hall, Tuesday evening, March 12th, the
date being the tenth anniversary of his career as a hardware
merchant. The entertainment of magic lasted two hours,
and Mr. Melohn presented trick after trick with the dash and
dexterity of a professional conjurer. He has an extensive
repertoire of tricks, and presented them in an entertaining
manner. A few professional friends who witnessed the exhibition, are loud in their praise of a new trick invented and
presented by Mr. Melohn. In the last trick, he introduced
seven round alarm clocks, and while taking them from the
hat the alarm bells kept ringing, making a very showy and
effective addition to this trick. A lull orchestra of seven
pieces discoursed sweet music, and after the exhibition a
dance was given and kept up until the early hours of morning.
Prof. Harry Stork, who is now playing a four weeks engagement for Manager Frank Hall of this city, opened at
Hall's Casino, March 24th, and made a decided hit. Week
of April 1st, he commences at Havlin's theatre, and from
there opened a two weeks' engagement at Pike's theatre,
Cincinnati, April 8th. The three houses mentioned above
are controlled by Frank Hall, and are run on the continuous
plan of amusement.
Master Charles Carter is resting in this city at the present
writing. His wife, who assists him in the illusion "Escaped
from Sing Sing," has gone to the home of her parents in San
Francisco, Cal. While Master Carter may not be the "Father
ot Magic," news reaches us that he is the father of a fine boy.
Prof. Reatty is showing "Pepper's Ghost Mystery," at
Kohl & Middleton's Clark street museum. He is to remain
during the month of April.
Mdlle. Aloo, the lady magician, commences a two weeks'
engagement at the London Musee, April 1st. At the close of
her engagement she joins the side show of Robinson's circus.
Pro. Donaldson, an old time showman has opened a store
show, 2S4 State street, where he is exhibiting to fair patronage
two optical illusions, Amphrodite and Neptune's daughter.
Dr. Merlin and wife, Margaret Hayden, are now in their
thirtieth week at the London Museum, presenting their act
of second sight.
Alex Davis, magician and ventriloquist, left this city March
25th, for Kalamazoo, Mich., to open theie for two weeks.
Prof. Brown and wife are performing at the Atlantic Garden, this city, presenting a new illusion entitled "The United States Mail Pouch" mystery. Mrs. Brown is locked in
a United States mail bag and escapes in thirty seconds.
Mardo, the society magician, purchased a handsome center table after the style of Louis XV. in design, from Mr.
Rotherberg this week. The table was a special order made
entirely of sheet brass, nickle-plated, with highly polished
raised brass ornamental work.
The Monograph Trick and Novelty Co. closed suddenly
last week owing to poor business.
I understand that the magical manufacturers and dealers
of this city, Messrs. Rotherberg. Burlingame, Shaw and Barnello, report business booming.
A startling and at the same time what I consider a most
repulsive exhibition is being presented here this week at
Hall's Casino. The feature that I refer to being "The Sleep
of Death." Walter Bishop is daily hypnotized at 1 p. m.,
and placed in a real coffin or casket for public view in the
curio hall, and while in this trance state will remain as if
dead without moving a muscle or nerve for 10 hours daily
during the 7 days of the week. Awakened at 11 p. m. each
night from his trance or whatever power it may be by his
brother Paul Allen Bishop.
All have words of praise for MAHATMA.
DR. ALBERT MERLIN.

/iDabatma.

&!),*>?>>*'

Dr. Albert Merlin is business manager and correspondent

of MAHATMA in Chicago. All persons doing business with
the genial Doctor will find him a thorough business man and
a gentleman to deal with. Address Dr. A. Merlin, London
Museum, Chicago, 111.
In answer to "H. V." would state that there are different
ways to load a piece of paper for the flower trick. You can
pick up one load from the servante of your table, the second
load from your own person; or, if you are skillful you can
do better by far than load in this way. Pockets in the front
of your coat can be utilized. Tying a piece of wire or thread
to the load, resting the same upon the button of your vest,
and while showing the paper, call attention to the fact that
there is nothing upon that side of the paperthen turn the
paper and while turning it around take hold of the wire,
showing nothing upon either side. Retaining the wire between finger and thumb, raise the right hand in gesture
which pulls the load into the paper unseen by the audience.
This way if done well is out of sight.
There is but one "Jewett," the prince of entertainers.
He is the coming magician. This young man is gaining a
reputation in this country equal to Hermann and Kellar.
Prof. Ambrose, of Pottsville, Pa., after a rest of several
years is making preparations for a tour of the coal regions;
giving a show in magic and mesmerism.
Mrs. L. B. Newell, lady magician, of Mainsburg, Pa., reports a successful season.
Prof. Chas. Herrman Pohle, the noted magician of Auburn,
N. Y., has been giving local entertainments this past winter.
Chas. E. Bingham, conjurer and illusionist, of Matteawan,
N. Y., is making extensive preparations for a tour of this
State.
The Great "Powell" one of the cleverest magicians in this
country to-day, is going to make an extended tour of Europe,
leaving this country early in May. W. J. Andrews, his stage
manager will accompany him.
Prof. Charles P. Wilson, of Houston, Texas, joins Mexican Billy's Carnival of Novelties, which will open at Bradford, Iowa, on May ist. This will make the Professor's
fourth season with this company.
Prof. Ritenour, of Haymarket, Va., is with a small company and reports good business.
"G. S." writes does it require much practice to become a
professional sleight-of-hand performer. In answer we would
say that it must be born in you, if you wish to make a success of it, and then it takes practice and lots of it before you
are competent to give a good turn in magic. There are so
many indifferent performers that I would advise no person
to undertake magic as a livelihood unless they possess patience, for such men as Jewett, Kellar and Herrmann only
acquire their reputation by years of faithful work and brains
to assist them.
Prof. J. H. Stevenson, the clever magician of Brooklyn, is
meeting with unparalleled success in his unique and original
entertainment. This young man is a born magician, and is
exceptionally clever in palming.
MAHATMA is in receipt of a very fine photograph of the
Hartford magician, "Jewett," which we add to our collection.

Corinne Carter, presented a son to her husband, Chas. Carter, the magician, at El Paso, Texas, Saturday, March 9th.
Mrs. Carter was on her way to California. Mother and
child were doing well at last accounts.
Mr. John Whalen of Harrigan's Theatre, this city, opens
in Huber's Museum, April ist for two weeks. The Professor
has been touring through this State ably assisted by "The
Filbers," in their cabinet mystery and mind reading tests.
Balabrega writes from Baranquilla, South America, that
notwithstanding the revolution in that country, business has
been exceptionally good.
MAHATMA'S Paris correspondent writes that Buatier de
Kolta has temporarily given up the magic art. He is the
inventor of a system that is supposed to prevent the collision
of railway trains. The idea is the development of a trick
which he invented while performing .at the Eden Musee in
New York; but he considered it so valuable that upon his
return to France he formed a company for the development
of his patent. It is said that it has proven to be a success,
and he has secured a fortune from it. We trust however
that he will eventually return to his old love, and astonish
the world again with some startling novelty from his fertile
brain. The rule once a magician, always a magician, will
hold good in his case also.
" W. F." wants to know the best way to work the Plate
Trick, and in answer would say the little box attached to a
wire or banjo string that you can pass readily over the thumb
of either hand at your will, is far superior to the use of your
pockets or vanishing handkerchief box. In the case of the
box you can show either hand at will and nothing in them,
the back of the hand affording the protection neccessary to
cover the box. To the uninitiated and without practice it is
difficult to perform, and to the experimenter I would say,
try some other method.
W. D. LeRoy, of Boston, Mass., is publishing a book of
prominent magicians which is now out.
Prof. Harry Helms, magician and oriental juggler, is at
present touring Wisconsin under the management of Col.
Geo. P. Wood; they will close a successful season at Madison, Wis., May ist. Prof. Helms will next season play the
larger cities under the direction of Jas. H. Arthur. Ferry,
the frog man; Ogawas Imperial Japanese Troupe; Adele
Purvis Ouri, and other high class specialties have been engaged. Mile. La Belle Ko Ko will assist the Professor.
Voudoo, a Hindoo illusion will be featured. Manager Arthur is also trying to engage Chisikitchi. late of D'Alvinis
Co. Professor Helms will spend the summer at Waukesha,
Wis., where he has a long engagement at the Silurian
Springs. This will be one of the strongest shows of the
kind on the road next season.
Prof. H. Leslie Green, Prestidigitator, assisted by Miss
Amy Russell, the Qj-ieen of Psychometists, of Rockville,
Conn., are playing to crowded houses.
Wallace, the magician of Springfield, Mass., has had a
successful season, entertaining in neighboring towns. The
Professor states that he is enlarging his outfit to start on the
road May 1st, touring the New England States.
Prof. Paul Eichelroth. the noted magician, of Stockton, Cal.,
writes for a samplecopy OI'MAHATMA, and says, 1 have wanted
to subscribe for a journal devoted to magic for a long time,
but could not find one.
Green the Wizard, of Montreal, P. CL-. Canada, writes: I
have received a copy of MAHATMA, and must say, it is just
what is wanted in the ranks of the magical fraternity.
Prof. Geo. J. Fish, (Duprez,) of Indianapolis, Ind., will
start next season with a new outfit; he is now resting at
home, playing local dates.
De Kolta is King of Magicians for originality and execution.

/IDabatma.

IO

VLtttC"1 Metal

PROFESSIONAL CARDS.
(15 cents per nonpareil Imc.)

MUSIw DllAcivliBdcrH.

1 Tunes unlimited. Sea! Hear it!

R. A. READER,

MAGIC

HlCH Ci AS;, MAGIC,

Can be engagedforChurches, Lodges, etc.
Address, 1025 Boston Road, N. Y. City.

fflmW

FOR SALE.

CP(ew JOO Vage Tutorial Catalogue, with TUiures of Leading Trofesswnals.

LATEST EUROPEAN NOVELTIES.

FOR SALE, one first class Stereopticon with oil and oxyhydrogen lights, screens, shades, everything as good as new.
Cost $400. Price Si25. Wm. Goodfellow, 9 Clay Street,
Magic, Second Sight and Anti-Spiritualism. Up
South Norwalk, Conn.
to date. Send 15c. for same. No free list.

PROF.J. H. SMITH,
VENTRILOOJJIST AND MAGICIAN.

Can be engaged for all kinds of entertainments, rates reasonable.

Drop a postal or call at 49 Lincoln Ave., Cohoes, N. Y.
JOHN W. LITTLE,
Prcstidigitateur.
Latest illusions in conjuring.
Address, 18 Broadway, New York.

WANTED.

W. D. LF.ROY,

NEW AND OLD SFXOND HAND BOOKS ON

MAGIC, Etc.
Address, H. WILLIAMS, care MAHATMA.

ELMER P. RANSOM,
12th Season.
" Prestidigitateur."
Address, 172 South 9th Street, Brooklyn

THE DONALDSON LITHOGRAPHING

COMPANY.

"HEWITT,"
Prestidigitateur and Illusionist. Twenty years before the British and American public, address Box 14, Station E, Brooklyn.

TO3 COURT STREET, BOSTON, MASS.

AN ASSISTANT FOR MAGICIANS.

An assistant of experience can be engaged for single entertainNo. 11 W . EIGHTH ST.,

CINCINNATI, O.
ments in New York or vicinity.
We have six stock lithographs in Magician's paper, but acting
Address, ASSISTANT, care MAHATMA.
under instructions from Mr. Jack Curry, we offer for sale the
entire line of superb paper recently gotten out by him for Zanzic.
The paper is for sale as it is without stripping or dating, but is
easily rendered available for use by any one.
ESTABLISHED 1801 B7 N. E. CHASE.
No. 63 T, C. iT^ahidWhole sheet, 4 colors.
MAGICIAN. A beautiful bill. Magician and devil. Sample
WlioUsalr
and Retail.
Inventor, Designer and
sent by mail on receipt of 9 cents in stamps. Price per ioo,
$7.00.
Manufacturer.
No. 150T. C. NabuffumHalf sheet, 4 colors.
MAGICIAN. A magician in evening dress executing the hat
trick. Sent by mail on receipt of 5 cents in stamps. Price
per JOO, 4.00.
No. 4997". C. NofololHalfsheet, 4 colors.
GOLD FISH TRICK. A magician executing the gold fish trick.
Sample sent by mail on receipt of 5 cents in stamps. Price
per IOO, $4.00.
No. 498 T. C. &QofohkHalfsheet, 4 colors.
LE COCOON. This well known illusion beautifully portrayed.
BOSTON, MASS., U. S. A .
Sample sent by mail on receipt of 5 cents in stamps. Price
per 100, $4.00,
No. 4977". C. O^ofolcjHalf sheet, 4 colors.
SPIRIT CABINET. An illustration of the cabinet trick. Sample
sent by mail on receipt of 5 cents in stamps. Price per IOO,
$4.00.
No. 496T. C. NofolahHalf sheet, 4 colors.
THE VOODOO. An illusion somewhat similar to Le Cocoon.
Sample sent by mail on receipt of 5 cents in stamps. Price
per 100, S4.00.
No. 495T. C. NofoltiffThree sheet, 4 colors.
LE COCOON. A beautifully designed and splendidly executed Largest House in the United States.
poster. Sample sent by mail on receipt of 26 cents in stamps.
Send Stamp for list of Sew Tricks.
Price per 100, $21.00.
Zanzic paper consists of one sixteenth-sheet stand, one threesheet poster, Le Cocoon, one-whole sheet, and four half-sheets,
which we will sell at the low price of 6 cents per sheet. A
sample set of the paper will be sent to any address in the Nothing but the finest apparatus made at this manuUnited States or Canada on receipt of $1.52.
factory, and at price* iliat deft) competition.

F. A. DANA,
Magician. Entertainments furnished for Lodges, Clubs and
Parties. Terms reasonable.
Address, No. 70 4th Avenue, Pawtucketville, Lowell, Mass.

JOSEPH B. PEYROUX,

C. MILTON CHASE,

MUSICIAN.
VIOLINIST.

,NTERNS WANTED

lHARBACH&CO.8O9FilbrtStPbiU.Pa.

123 Clymer St., Brooklyn.

MUSICAL RUSSELLS,
Instrumentalists,
Specially adapted for Churches, Lodges, Theatres, etc.
For terms, address O. M. Russell, 25-27 3d Ave., N. Y. City.

45 to 51 Cambridge Street,

LAYMAN,
MAN OF A THOUSAND FACES.
Address, care Miner's Bowery Theatre, N. Y.
MEEKER & MACK,
SONG AND DANCE ARTISTS,
In their own original creations.
Address No. 189 East 12th Street, New York City.

SISTERS LYNN,
THE CELEBRATED JUVENILE ARTISTS,
Can be engaged for Churches, Lodges, etc.
Address 1368 Herkimer St., Brooklyn, N. Y.

: &,-.

JO

ALL WHO WISH

SEND TO THIS OFFICE FOR ESTIMATE.

CIRCULARS

FOR

MAGICIANS' A SPECIALTY.

CIRCULARS RE-WRITTEN IF DESIRED.

CORRESPONDENCE IN ALL LANGUAGES.

WANTED.The address of every person

interested in MAOIC, Etc.

Magicians.Please send us all news, dates, etc.

107 West 29th Street, N. Y. City.

If

Effl'K
VENTRILOQUIST!
t

MARTYNF

SIXTY LAUGHS IN SIXTY MINUTES.

HUMORIST, ARTISTIC. MIMIC ELOCUTIONIST.

T;tl e

Plienomenal Entertainer,

^ ' ^ * V 1 V I
1 1 1 1/ 5
VcntrUtxfiiUU Slu'tclicx without Finnic*. From four tu sue voices.
THE ONLY MAN that Laughs and Cries (it the sami titw. D line. iHnu so distinct pmitir.. ('haute and Moral
The greatest Entertainer for Churches, Loilocs, etc., that I ham- ever seen.Kditor Mahatma.

A. J. MARTYNE, NO. 90 4TH AVENUE, NEW YORK.

GEO. H. LITTLE,
Prestidigitateur and Shadowgraphist.
Can be engaged for Churches, Lodges, Theatres,"etc.
Address, MAHATMA.

/iDabatma.

11

AND STEREOPTICONS
p.fford tin- best im'l
t liu-iins of oljjccl It-ucliiiif; fur
w l Sunday Schools. Our
ll ut'St Schools
Sh

erit of Views, illustrating AuT, Si IK.NI E, HISTOKY,

, is immense. For IToinp Amusement mid P n r l o r Enti rliiiiiincnl, it., nothing ran
be found a< instructive or amusing, i g r Church Eutvl'Iiilnii
t s , I'lihlic E x l u h l lllar llliistllll- |E A Y W E L L
Jm"a"-'''; Wi lire
e<l L r r t i l l ' l ' H J t X3L . L
T l i K U l the large-it miuiiirin Hirers anelelenlers, ami sliip l" :ill farts of the world. If ynn wish to know how to order. ln>w ii. rnndiu-t I'urlor
Enterliiinm, nts fur pleasure or P u b l i c E x h i b i t 1O1IH, etc., for MA K I P< <J H O N E Y ,

22Q

F FREE
E
E
p & Q BOOK

BI'l's Optician, 49 NasHau Street, New York.

IMPERIAL ENTERTAINMENT BUREAU

THE WONDERFUL PUZZLE PURSE.

The Capital Puzzle is quite new and one of the best puzzles
ever invented. The purse is made of leather, is strong, has a
nickle plated rim and is very convenient for keeping money.
O. iVlA.TT RUSSELL. MANAGER.
Holding the purse in one hand and blowing at it, it will fly
open. Handing it over to be examined it is closed and no one
Agency for the most noted Entertainers, Musical Celebrities and Entertainments in every branch of the profession. Teachers fur- can discover the secret of its opening. Sent free by mail for 30c.
HORSE SHOE COIN HOLDER.
A new nickel plated coin holder, takes 10 cent coins. When
nished lor all Instruments, also musicians for dancing or otherwise.
ten are put in it. it opens. It can be attached to the watch
chain. Sent free by mail for 15c.
2Z-27 3d Avenue, Room, I.'i49 opposite Cooper Institute, iV. Y.
THE EUREKA PUZZLE.
A handsome brass disc perforated by numerous holes, into
which a sliding ring is fitted. The solution of the puzzle is to
start from the center and clear the ring in iS moves. It can be
done. Very amusing and fascinating. Sent by mail for 10c.
SELF REGISTERING PURSE AND POCKET SAFE.
I am now putting up a special $5.00 FIRE KING OUTFIT. This outfit is the neatest and cheapest practical outfit ever put
A decided novelty. Drop a dime in the slot, the first coin
on sale in this country. It contains everything necessary to perform all the leading "Fire Tricks." It is suitable for Stage or
deposited locks the purse and registers it. When one dollar has
Drawing Room Entertainments. Each outfit is put up in a handsome casket, including a complete book explaining 28 of the best been deposited the purse can be opened. Sent by mail for 30c.
STAR NOVELTY CO., 1098 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn.
Hire Tricks, so that "ANY ONE" can perform them with very little practice. E. BARNELLO, 176 N. Clark St., Chicago, 111.

SPECIAL III

TO UTIIRE

ACADEMY OF MEDICAL MESMERISM AND HYPNOTISM.

Illustrated pamphlet, " How TO HYPNOTIZE; or the Science of Suggestion." Price 15 cents. Weekly Experimental Clinics and
Class Seances, MONDAY and FRIDAY evenings at 8 o'clock; admission $1.03. Metaphysical and Psychophysiological instruction
daily and by illustrated correspondence. For regular course of instruction, " How to Hypnotize.1' Full particulars on receipt of
postage. Address:DR. MCCARTHY, 256 West 115th St., N. Y. City.
anc

* s e n c ' I O c e n t s * r m y New Catalogue containing all of my own Original Coin

Feats and the very Latest Experiments in Magic, Spiritualism, Etc., fctc.
T. NELSON DOWNS, The King of Coins, Marshalltown, la.

9 111 J LW* F

DO YOU WANT TO GO IN THE SHOW BUSINESS, if so, all you need is a good act; here are two that require, no skill,
you can do them soon as you have the outfit. Black Art, full act, $35.00, the best thing in magic. Sword Walking Outfit, $7.00,
with secret how to walk Barefooted on Ladder of Sharp Swords; one third with order, balance C. O. D.
W. NELSON, Manufacturer, 13 Fulton Street, Worcester, Mass.

MIL1KIN & LAWLEYS,

DEALER IN MAGIC AND OPTICAL GOODS,
161; Strand, London, England.
J. THEOBALD & CO.,
6 and 7 Bath Place, Kensington High Street, London, W.
DEALERS IN MAGICAL APPARATUS, NOVELTIES,
SPORTING GOODS, Etc.
Send for Catalogue.
E. VOISIN,
OLD ESTABLISHED MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENT FOR MAGICAL APPARATUS.
S3 Rue Vieille-du-Temple, Paris.

ROBIRT ANKELE
CREATOR OF ORIGINAL DESIGNS ANT) DA
"PLATES.

OF ECONOMICAL

306 WEST 22d STREET, NEW YORK.

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/IDabatma.

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THE ONLY PAPER IN THE UNITED STATES DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS oy MAGICIANS, SPIRITUALISTS. MESMERISTS, ETC.

VOL. I.

No. III.

NEW YORK, MAY. 1895.

SINGLE COPY, 10 CENTS.

"JEWETT."

posed to be open. Marshall was just as anxious in those

days to see others on the stage, as others are now to see him;
THR GREATEST COMING 2OTH CENTURY MAGICIAN.
and he usually managed to do it for nothing, by the way.
It must not be supposed that the generation of bright men
The pretty little city of Hartford is noted for something in Harttord is dying out. In what may be termed Hartford's
else besides being the home of Insurance and the Charter rising generation is found magician Fred D. Jewett, who
Oak. She has furnished the world many of its best enter- was born in that city March 26th, 1861. We are told that
tainers. We use the word "entertainers" in its broadest "the poet is born, not made," and this is equally true of the
sense; including those who have furnished entertainment in magician. There are magicians and magicians, just as there
the literary line, as well as in the dramatic.
are poets and poets; only a few of each class have proven

Hartford is known as the home of a number of literary

stars of the first magnitude; of Harriet Beecher Stowe. of
Mark Twain and of Charles Dudley Warner. Playright and
actor Will Gillette, still calls Hartford his home, and the
prince of laugh makers, Marshall P. Wilder, can tell you of
his Hartford school days, followed by nights when he crept
into the Hartford Opera House before the doors were sup-

themselves worthy of the name; in fact, a good magician is

a rarer article than a good poet. What might be termed a
"genuis" for sleight of hand was born in the subject of this
sketch; as a small boy he gave entertainments of various
kinds, and, coming to manhood, his talent took more definite shape, and for the past few years he has grown in skill
and popularity. As his course has not been rocket-like in

/IDabatma.

ISSUED THF. i^t O F KACH M O N T H .

HAMLEY'S MAGICAL SALOONS,

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LONDON, W.C.
RATES OF ADVERTISEMENTSTwenty cents per line, nonpareil type measure; space ol
one inch $2.40 rack invrlioit. A deduction of 20 per cent, is allowed on advertisements when
paid for three months in advance, and oil advertisements measuring ^o lines or more.
For Sale or Exchange column, 15 cents a line. Copyrighted March, 1895.
Remittances should be made by cheque, post office or express money order, or registered
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.

MAHATMA has received congratulations by innumerable letters and telegrams from all over the country, stating that this
paper is just what the magical fraternity has wanted, and
that MAHATMA is sure to be a success. The many friends
who have so kindly encouraged us by words and deeds, can
rest assured that MAHATMA is in the field to stay, the proprietor having enlarged the plant, he now asks the fraternity to
help introduce this paper to all who are interested in magic.
As most magicians have more or less printing to be done,
send to this office for an estimate on all printing desired.
Printing picture or advertisement on blank playing cards
a specialty. See advertisement.
MAHATMA in presenting a few problems each month that
are original with the publisher, will help the magical fraternity by making them think over the subjects introduced and
without a doubt they will find means to improve them. In
order to better themselves and do first class work the magician should try to introduce new problems; and if he cannot
produce something new, he probably can help out with some
new features that are novel and unique and which will help
to make effective an old chestnut.
Sleight of hand has been so well drawn upon, that it is
almost impossible to introduce new features; but among the
many magicians, we have no right to be surprised if some
of them introduce new and effective tricks, and no matter
how good a magician may be, he will find that he does not
know it all.
"JEWETT."CONTINUED.

its ascent, there is no reason to believe that it will be sticklike in its descent. Mr. Jewett's progress has been gradual,
commencing with entertainments in private parlors, and, as
he gained confidence in himself, and the public gained confidence in him, he has extended his field until now he is
well received in the finest theatres of New England.
The brevity of this article will not permit of an extended
account of his exploits in the land of legerdemain, but following is a few of the acts which have given him his greatest celebrity. His duplication of the cabinet test of the Hnglish medium, Anna Hva Fay, is perhaps his most skillfully
performed and most mystifying act; although, in close proximity come his wonderful bullet catching, crystal casket
puzzle, wigwam mystery, and others; and yet, after all, it
is in legitimate sleight of hand, which so many magicians
seem to forget in these days of illusions and mechanical effects, it is in this legitimate sleight of hand that magician
Jewett is seen at his best; here, he has few equals, and certainly no superiors. The quickness of hand is where the
magician must have natural talent; here is where acquired
skill will not do. Practice may make perfect in some things,
but not in sleight of hand, unless the performer is gifted in
an unusual degree. Wonderfully effective is Jewett'in these
acts of sleight of hand, and especially in egg and coin tricks.
The press notices which Mr. Jewett has received testify better than anything else can to his remarkable skill. "Some
prophets are without honor in their own country, but lewett
is not without honor in his own city, many of Hartford's
most eminent citizens endorsing his entertainment.

If you watch the 20th century horizon, you will see, as

the stars of the older magicians wane, a new star rising in
their place. The name of the new star: "Jewett."
FORTHLUNG THOUGHTS IN CARDS.
Place a pack of 32 cards in any certain order that you can
easily remember. Take four slips of paper and write the
names of the cards on them in their consecutive order, as in
formula, /. c. On the first slip six names, on the second nine,
on the third seven, on the fourth ten cards. Place each in a
separate envelope; each envelope being smaller than the preceding one. Place the smallest in the second, second in the
third, and third in the fourth, so that in each envelope there
is an envelope and a slip of paperseal all.
Do any preliminary trick with the prepared cards that will
not disarrange their regular order, then proceed to lay them
out on the table in four heaps in just the order that is written
on the slips of paper, leaving the last heap which corresponds
to the slip in the smallest envelope, towards the audience.
It is best to lay them on a plate and allow the ends to project a little over the edge of same, so that when you cover
them with a handkerchief the position of the packs can be
easily seen by you. When all this has been done, and you
have given one of the audience the aforementioned sealed
envelope to hold high so that all can see it. request some
gentleman to step forward and select anyone of the four heaps
of cards from underneath the handkerchief, place it in his
pocket and return to his seat, then the gentleman should be
told to look at the cards and remember them as far as possible before putting them in his pocket; this is to make it a
mind reading test. In the meantime the performer to complete the deception retires to one side and turns his back on
the person while selection is being made, he then comes forward and casting a quick side-long glance at the covered
cards, he discovers which pack has been removed by the
handkerchief sinking or sagging down on the side from
which the cards have been removed.
The performer now takes back the sealed envelope and opens
it; if the slip of paper is in it containing the names of the
cards the gentleman selected it is only necessary to take out
the slip of paper leaving the rest in the envelope and hand
it to the gentleman requesting him to read aloud the names
of cards he finds on the slip of paper and also to name the
cards he has in his pocket, showingthem plainly to the audience who see that they agree.
Should another pack be chosen, tor instance that corresponding to cards on the second slip of paper in the second
envelope, performer leaves the slip in the first envelope and
takes out the second one (i. e. envelope ). which he opens
and finds in this the slip required, leaving in the envelope
the third one. If still another one is chosen proceed as above
until the required one is reached. The front pack is the one
generally chosen, the slip corresponding to it being in the
fourth envelope heightens the effect of the trick. Having
once learned the pack the gentleman selects, you can introduce the mind reading fake by placing his hand to your forehead and writing the names of the cards on a blackboard
previous to opening the envelope.
D. W. Robertson, the well known manager of New York
city has secured the greatest novelty in the entertainment
line for next season. He has just completed arrangements
with the Tyrolean Troubadors from Austria, and upon their
arrival in New York about September 23d, he will start them
on a tour of the country. Elmer P. Ransom, the popular
magician, has been engaged to appear with them. The tour
will be under the direction of Mr. Charles W. Plumb. Already many dates have been booked and the success of the
company is assured.

/IDabatma.
HOW TO LOAD A HIGH HAT.
The performer borrows a high hat from a gentleman in
the audience and after reaching the stage he apparently rubs
the nap of the hat the wrong way, and then proceeds to
apologize to the owner for spoiling the hat, and in the meantime he gives the hat to his assistant to repair the damage
that he has done. The assistant holding the hat in his left
hand approaches a chair upon the stage that has two or three
handkerchiefs thrown over the back, and while securing the
silk handkerchief, he lays the hat on the servante back of the
chair and picks up the duplicate hat, rubbing the hat with
the silk handkerchief and giving it to the performer, who
places it upon the table as shown in the cut. The table has
but one upright and a very thin top, with a trap in the center of the table which you pull up and the trap in the hat
when placed directly over the trap in the table will give access to the table. A small catch upon the inside of the trap
to hold the traps open will be found necessary. The performer can take as many objects as the table will hold from
the hat, and the hat can be shown empty as often as the performer wishes by pushing the little catch back which frees
the trap in the table and hat; the top of the hat coming back
in its proper place, likewise the trap in the table.

opera nymph rises from the sea without anything being visible to support her in space, in which she turns round and
round, gracefully moving her legs and arms, now in one direction, and then in another. When the exhibition is at an
end, she straightens out in the position of a swimmer about
to make a dive, and plunges behind the curtain representing
the ocean.

The experiment that we have just described may be performed as follows: Amphitrite is an imagea specter analogous to those of Robin. If we imagine that a transparent
glass, M M (Fig. 2), is inclined 45 degrees with respect to
the stage, a person clad in light clothing, lying horizontally
upon a black background beneath the stage, and well illuminated, will exhibit an upright image behind the glass.
This image will form in front of the back canvas, T T',
which will be perceived by transparency. If Amphitrite is
lying upon a table. P P', she will be able to go through her
The performer can then show the audience an empty hat
and repeat as often as he may wish.
An other innovation in the hat trick would be to have a
small trap in the side of the high hat and when picking it up
from the table, at the same time pick up a load of flowers
pressing them in the trap in the side of the hat, the flowers
overflowing would make a very desirable and showy effect
to the finish of the experiment. The performer then hands
the hat back to the assistant who goes through the same performance of picking up the handkerchief from the back of the
chair, dropping the dummy hat, and picking up the legitimate hat borrowed.
AMPHITRITFAN OPTICAL ILLUSION.
This experiment which is presented under the name 01
" Amphitrite," is as follows: When the representation is
about to begin, the curtain of a small stage rises. There is
observed, cut in a screen, a circular aperture, over which is
stretched transparent muslin.
About six feet behind the latter there is a scene representing the sky, with clouds; below, in the foreground, there is
a canvas representing the sea.
'Amphitrite, come forth!" exclaims the person in charge
of the show. All at once, a woman in the costume of an

evolutions and bend herself in a circle; and if, during this

time, the table, movable around an axis, A, is revolved, her
image will turn in all directions. Finally, to cause Amphitrite to appear or disappear, it will suffice to slide the table
upon rails, thus bringing it in front of or behind the glass.
Amphitrite should be placed upon an absolutely black background. Her costume should be of a light color with metallic spangles, and she should be illuminated by a powerful
electric light.

/iDabatma.
The muslin stretched in front of the screen is designed to
arrest the spit balls that jesters might throw against the glass,
and which, sticking thereto, might explain a part of the mystery. There are assuredly other arrangements lor carrying
out the experiment. We have no other pretension than to
offer an explanation that will at least permit of giving a representation which is analogous if not identical.u Nature.

An easy way to introduce the snake is to apparently press

upon the shirt front to force the snake out of the mouth, and
while so pressing he obtains the head of the genuine snake
from its receptacle about his waisl: using the left hand for
this purpose. He will then place the left hand to his mouth
to apparently catch the head of the snake, the right hand

AN EGG TRICK.
The performer calls the attention of the audience to a fruit
dish which is of glass and cannot conceal an object; he then
places the dish upon his table covering it with a large handkerchief, and upon removing the handkerchief, an egg is
found inside of the dish, which the performer takes out from
the dish and places one side, and by covering again with the
handkerchief he can produce enough to fill a dish.
An explanation of this trick will show the performer that
it can be easily done and will have a very mystifying effect.

catching the head and pulling the snake completely out; the
performer keeping the left hand still to his mouth until the
snake is completely out, he then drops the fake head into his
left hand. The left arm while held in this positton will cover
the drawing of the snake from the person, and a still better
way if the performer does not roll up his sleeves, is to have
the snake in his sleeve. By the use of the sleeve for this purpose the performer could defy detection.
HOW TO WORK THE FISH BOWL.

As seen in the upright of the table, the eggs are allowed

one by one to fall on the top of a spring, which is connected
with a button on the top of the table which the performer
catches with one finger each time he places the handkerchief
over the table pulling it taut; and when he lets go with the
finger the spring forces the egg through a trap in the top of
the table and right up through the dish which is hollow.
On the inside of the dish is a piece of isinglass which the
egg forces up and which falls back in place, preventing the
egg from falling back.

An imitation finger made of aluminium or of any light material can be used to advantage in working this old trick.
The old way of throwing the foulard over the arm and
shoulder should give way to something better, for the casual
observer can see that you have one arm free and that it is an
easy matter to take the fish bowl from an inside pocket. In
fact some way should have been devised before this in performing this old problem. An explanation of this cut will
show that it is an improvement on the old way. An ordinary black foulard with a hem that you can run three small
pieces of flat wire inside (B), the wire rivited at each end.
The middle piece should be a little shorter than the two outside pieces, and if made in this manner it gives strength to
the wire. Place the wire inside of hem, and when you pick
up the handkerchief, you can show both sides of same. You
take the false finger in palm of hand and place it between
the fingers of hand (A), withdrawing the handit looking
as though you had hold by the one finger (C), this will give
you an opportunity to use your hand, when you apparently
have hold of the handkerchief; the handkerchief will conceal
the movements of the right hand, and the handkerchief will
not come in contact with your person. Upon the finger (D)
is a small spring catch which will hold when placed over the

A SNAKE TRICK.
The performer in introducing this trick must place the
snake's head in his mouth, the head can be made of paper
mache or wood as the performer may choose. Inside of the
head is a tongue which is attached to springs in the neck of
the snake, the neck can be made of rubber and is attached
to the head. The head must be made in accordance with
the size of the snake that the performer will use. The performer after inserting the head of the snake in his mouth,
should start to introduce some trick until an impediment in
his speech apparently stops him; he will then let the snake's
head protrude, holding the neck between his teeth, and by
biting the neck he will of coursj press the spring which will
force the snake's tongue to spring out, and when the performer lets up on the spring the to.igue darts in and out
every time the performer presses the neck with his teeth.
This will make a very nat.iral appearing snake, if it is an
exact reproduction of tlu snake the performer introduces.

handkerchief and which you can easily palm; *he wire falling out of the hem upon the servante of the table, also the
finger. For instance take a small table which can be examined, the performer can call attention to the handkerchief,
turning and showing both sides, the wire bending without
giving away the fact of its presence. You can produce any
object that you may wish upon the table.

/Ifcabatma.
THE TOUR OF THE KNIGHTS.
AS EXPLAINED BY PROFESSOR

KF.RBFX, OF N. Y.

An interesting experiment which surrounds the performer

with the reputation of a learned man, is when he exhibits
his skill in arithmetic and marvellous memory. Almost all
of our patrons have read or heard of the remarkable feats of
the chess players, who not only can play the most intricate
movements on the chess board blindfolded, but who can do
the same where the respective players are thousands of miles
apart, communicating the moves by cable. One startling
problem .....s been performed by one of our celebrities in
magic before large audiences: which is the moving of Knights
over all squares of the chess board alternatively Irom any
selected square without touching those which have already
been covered.
73/

/7\

1
2

2
3
4
5
6
7
S

32

3
243
1,024
4
5 3.125
6
7,776
7 16,807
8 32,768
9 59,049

125
216
343
512
729

The performer distributes some slips of paper, requesting some one

to select a number from 1 to ioo, and to raise it to its cubic number,
that is multiply it thrice with itself. Suppose somebody selected the
number 72. 72X72=5184

19/

Another ver)r perplexing problem of arithmetic is to find the cubic

root from a given sum. Some years ago Morris Frankel, Phil Roth,
and others of Germany, astonished their andiences by the remarkable quickness with which they solved the most intricate problems in
mathematics only from memory. The most learned professors of
arithmetic were baffled by these phenomenal feats whicli they could
not solve; nevertheless the general agent is a trick which helped the
artist to accomplish these difficult problems in almost a twinkling. A
few words on cubic numbers and roots. If you multiply three equal
numbers with each other, viz: 12X12X12=1728, the result being 1728,
and the factor 12 the root of said sum. The roots may be extracted
in a mathematical way, but the intention of this article is to show
how the root by means of a trick can be extracted instantaneously.
First you have to memorize well the following respective schemes or
to write them on a small card board which con be concealed in the
hand. The scheme is arranged for numbers from 1 to 100.
I.Cubic numbers. .
II.Fifth power.
oX
oX
0

Pi

63
60
6/
S9
5-7
It seems at a first glance a very difficult task to play the
Knight from a given square over the remaining sixty-three
in sixty-three moves, nevertheless it is very easy when you
follow the explanation given below. On the stage the performer has placed an easel on which a large slate is resting,
and which is divided in the manner of a chess board in sixtvfour squares, and the squares for facilitating the experiment
are numbered, beginning with one and terminating with
sixty-four. The performer requests one of the audience to
name any number that he will start with. With a piece of
chalk he marks the number and in rapid succession he makes
the regular moves of the Knight until he comes again to the
first number given, without covering any number twice. In
many instances where it is performed a lady is introduced to
53
43
33
27
44

23

32

8
14
24
7

41
51

13
28

f.i

22

55

47
64
54
4S
63
46

42

9
3

33

40

15

s(>

59

18

60

37

45
39

20

21

29

36

10

12

30

25

35

16

50

31

I
II

26

62
52
58

57

49
34
17
2

19

perform the part of a medium, she is blindfolded, and it is

then a test of memory. When done without an assistant
the performer can have it written on a small card, which he
can conceal in the palm of the hand.
For instance the selected number is 36, this the performer
marks and moves to 30, then 19 and 28, and so on until he
comes to 26, which terminates the moves, as it is the last
number before 36. On the diagram the above moves are
shown, and a little practice will enable every one to perform
this seemingly difficult problem.

Which is the cubic number. The same is communicated to the

performer who writes it on the slate which is resting on an easel
standing on the stage. Now he erases in his mind the three last figures and the remainder is 373. In the scheme 1, he looks for the number that is next to 373, without exceeding it. It is 343, opposite it is
the digit 7, therefore is the first figure of the root 7. Further observe
the last digit of the whole sum given, which is an eight. On the
scheme you find opposite the number which terminates with 8, the
figure 2, this is the second digit of the root, hence the whole cubic
root of 373,248 is 72.
Another scheme is say the given number is 97,336, erase the last
three figures, which makes 97, in the scheme 1, it is the number next
to 97,=64 which shows you the opposite figure 4 as the first figure of
the root. The end figure of the sum is a 6, on the scheme you observe that 216 terminates with 6, opposite is the digit 6, therefore is
6 the second figure and 46 the cubic root of the number 97,336.
If a number is raised to its fifth power, the proceedings are the
same, but the scheme 2 is to be used, and instead of erasing the last
three figures, you erase five of them.
For instance 32X32=1,024
32
32,768
32

1,048,576
32

33,554,432
Erase the last five figures and there remains 335, which indicates
on scheme 2, 243=3. The last digit 2 shows you on the same scheme
32, which indicates the 2 as the second figure, thence the whole root
of 33,554,432 is =32.
III.Squares.
I
ox
oi
5x25
6
36
4
3 9
4 16
2

7 49
8 64
9 81

If any number is raised to its square, you have to proceed according to scheme 3, and in erasing the last two digits, for example:
56X 56=3,136. You erase thus the last two figures, and it remains 31.
The scheme indicates 3: to number 25, which shows as opposite figure 5, and which is the first figure of the square, the end digit is 6.
Now you find in the second column of the scheme two figures which
terminate with a 6, viz: 16 and 36. To find the right figure you proceed as follows: You have learned that the first number of the square
which is 31, shows the figure 5 as the first digit. This figure you
multiply with itself = 25; deduct from 31 and 6 is left. This figure is
larger than the one which you have multiplied, therefore select from
the scheme the larger number which terminates with 6, and which is
36, showing on opposite side 6. The root of 3136=56.

/l&abatma.
When the figure which is left after the multiplication is smaller,
then look for the smaller number which ends with six example =S,836; erase 36, 88 remains, which according to the scheme is equal
to 9, as first digit. To find the second correct digit multiply 9X9=81,
deducted from 88 leaves 7, which is smaller than 9, therefore according to the scheme you have to take 16, which shows as second digit
of the square the figure 4, and the whole root of the above number
8,836 is 94. If a square ends with 9 or 4, you proceed in the same
way as shown in previous two themes.

SHADOWGRAPHY.Tin. PRI-.ACHLK.
Place left hand in position and arrange sleeve as shown in
the engraving, the right arm kept very near the light to give
a large shadow. Between the fingers of the right hand is
held a piece of cardboard cut to represent the preachers baret.

THE IRISHMAN.
Take the felt and (old in half. Then place the two ends
together, and to keep the felt in shape use an ordinary tie
clip and fasten the ends with it. You now have an "Irishman's" hat. There are actually two rims inside, but place
your head in the smallest rim and pull the hat firmly on. It
should be placed on the head sideways, us usually worn by
"Irishmen." A clay pipe placed in the mouth and a shillalah
makes a capital addition to the representation of this character. A little rouge on the nose greatly adds to the effect
and gives the laughing jolly features of an Irishman. Tie a
handkerchief round vour neck in a sailor's knot, which makes
the Irishman complete. While representing this character,

you must try and make your features look as funny as

possible.
A NEW FLAG TRICK.
An aparatus for the red, white and blue with flag. It is a [tube
about one and a half inches diameter and about two and one half
inches long, closed at each end, it also has three partitions, giving the
tube four separate compartments, with four holes in the tube about
five-eighths of an inch in diameter. Amateurs who cannot palm the
tube, a very thin or invisible wire is fastened from centre to centre
of ends to be looped over a finger. The tube is prepared with a
white handkerchief in compartment B, a blue one in C, and a small

The moving of the thumb represents the gesticulations of

the hand. The scene is represented by first throwing the
shadow of the pulpit, the preacher appears from below until
he assumes his position and delivers his sermon in a more
or less excited manner.
THE DISAPPEARING BOX.
In the disappearing handkerchief box an improvement is
made by having the little piece attached to the side in the
shape of a hook. When taking the box from under the vest
the box can be so arranged as to have the little catch strike

between the fingers, and the hand can be opened wide, the
performer can have the little catch so arranged that he can
turn it around over the box, so when he lets go of the box
there is nothing to stop it.

flag in D. The tube is picked up from the table with a red pocket
handkerchief, and this handkerchief is worked into compartment A,
and the white one worked out of B, it is then worked back into B,
the blue one is worked out of C, it is then shown and worked back
into C, and the flag from D worked out and shown and then laid on
back of chair. The tube can be dropped on the servante of the chair..
This little box is an original idea of Prof. Melohn of Chicago.

This finger can be used to produce a handkerchief. The ring is

placed upon the second finger of the hand, attached to the end of
the false finger is apiece of thread, a loop at the end of thread to fit on
finger, by pulling the finger down the false finger comes into position.

ZlDabatma.
FROM OUR BOSTON CORRESPONDENT.

Now that Trilby has closed its season at the Park, we have the
Trilby block puzzle to keep green her memo; y.
"Galatea" is on exhibition at Jordan, Jlarsh & Co.'s store, under
the name of "King Pharaoh's Daughter," a full length marble statue
of King Pharaoh's daughter holding a basket ci ntaining the baby
Moses. The statute turns into life, the girl's eyes move, the color
comes to her cheeks and you see her breath; at the same time the
baby Moses turns into a magnificent basket of flowers. Gradually
the girl and flowers are transformed into marble again. This is the
property of Mr. A. B. Carrington, the illusionist, of Chicago, Ills.,
who is well known in this country, also in Australia, where he has.
exhibited'his "Palace of Illusions,' for several years with success.
Mr. B. B. Keyes gave an exhibition of legerdemain and spirit manifestations at E. W. Kinsley Post, No. 113, G. A. R., April 23d. His
tricks with cards, coins, etc., were very deceptive, but the most astonishing feat of all was his freeing hi'mself from handcuffs, seemingly an impossibility. E. F. Gaskin, Captain of Police Station 14,
at the request of the Commander of the Post was present with 4 different kinds of the latest improved hand-cuffs, the best the department could obtain. He applied them himself, one pair at a time, and
was dumbfounded when Mr. Keyes removed and handed them back
to him unlocked, in from twenty to fifty seconds.
W. D. LF. ROY.

Mysteries in the Hub have been rather quiet of late. Bostonians

have seen Herbert Albini, the English conjurer, at the Lyceum, with
his clever card manipulations, and his incomprehensible egg bag,
which has mystified magicians as well as outsiders. He also introduced several new experiments purchased here with success.
Henri Cazman lias also appeared twice at Keith's theatre in magic,
shodowgraphs and chapeaugraphy. Mr. Cazman is certainly a very
clever artist in his line.
Bunt and Rudd, the English comic conjurers, were also a later attraction at Keith's, where they held the boards for several weeks, introducing their funny burlesque magic ; they are certainly very clever
people and are old hands at the business.
Mr. Albert Eddy, the magician, was at Autin & Stone's for two
weeks, followed shortly by the Royal Hindoo East Indian Fakirs,
jugglers, snake-men and only giant Sepoys. The principal trick of
these fakers is the basket trick, similar to that seen at the World's
Fair at Chicago, also at New York city. The most essential requisite for the man who gets into the basket is to be a good contortionist, so
as to curl up in the bottom of the basket, enabling another man to
get in and jump up and down, of course proving the basket empty.
This act compares in no way with the old basket trick as introduced
in this country by Hartz, who is now abroad, and who is I believe,
A new and original demonstration of optical illusion was introduced
the only man wh >
at Maskelyne's enever secured from
tertainment at the
the Mikadoof JapEgyptian Hall, a
an, permission to
short time ago by
engage and exhibMr. David Devant
it the Mikado's
who merely with
own troupe of 25
the aid of a small
Royal Japanese
square of silk, was
Court conjurers,
able to produce
jugglers and equithe Goddess Flora
librists,in his travemerging from a
els through Eugilded b a s k e t
rope.
decked with a
wealth of flowers,
At present Marto the delight of a
do the juggler is
big audience. The
' here at the Boston
sketch e n t i t l e d
theatre, with the
Modern Witchery,
Black Crook, and
is a remarkable
is just as clever as
exhibition, and all
ever in his work.
lovers of the mysBerol and Belterious should see
monte, the celeit.
b r a t e d second
sight artists,are at
An exceedingly
present t o u r i n g
clever illusion can
the "South with
he seen at 98,High
good success.
Holborn, London,
Their new act is
It is called the
certainly one of
mysterious cave,
the cleverest ever
and has been sucseen in this councessfully exhibitry. Mr. Berol certed in Paris and
tainly possesses
Antwerp. The ilthe somewhat unlusion, which, to
usual faculty, for
say the least, is
artists in this line,
gruesome, is the
of being original,
transformation of
and thus introduca man into a skeling new ideas;
eton and his revivamong which are
ification. The subsome of the clevject is first envelerest in use at the
oped in a white
ORIENTAL BLACK ART.
present time.
w i n d i n g sheet,
^ Mr. Charles Carter has sold his escape from Sing Sing act to a Mr. which completely covers him from neck to heel, only the features reColgrove of Chicago. Mr. Carter will still continue to work at magic maining free. Almost immediately his hair begins to turn white,
as heretofore.
while his features assume the leaden hue which so frequently preAudiences at the Howard Atheneum have seldom been aroused to sages approaching dissolution. The eyes disappear, and the whole
such a pitch of merriment as they have been the weeks of the 1 5th and facial structure rapidly loses its usual contour, until in a very short
22d, by the clever exhibition in mesmerism given by Mile. Agnes time nothing but the bones remain. The subject is then brought, one
Charcot. She generally found a subject she could completely control, might say, back to life again. It is, without doubt, one of the clevand then the fun was fast and furious for all but the subject.
erest exhibitions of its kind.
Ray Burton, the equilibrist and swinging rifle expert is at the HowThe illustration of Oriental Black Art was kindly loaned to MAard this week. He does a good specialty, introducing some difficult II.VIMA by Mr. LeRoy, the noted Boston magician, who has just pubfeats of jugglery that have seldom before been attempted by any lished an illustrated Catalogue of noted magicians of the day. Mr.
other artist.
LeRoy is making a specialty of black art, and his writings upon this
One of the numerous attractions at Keith's this week is Pichat, the subject will be found in his new catalogue. See advertisement.
French mimic and facial artist who portrays with a fidelity to the
original that is almost startling, the features and mannerisms of over
It is with regret that we announce the death of Mrs. T. Nelson
100 noted people and odd characters seen in every day life.
Downs, wife of the noted magician of Marshalltown, Iowa. Mrs.
Walter Deaves' marionettes are at Keith's theatre this week.
Prof. V. P. Wormwood's animal circus, consisting of 25 dogs and Downs was well known for her many good qualities, and those who
monkeys, who do almost everything except talk, are at the Howard have met her speak of her in the highest terms. Mr. Downs has the
sympathy of the magical fraternity in his bereavement.
this week.
Chas. DeCamo, the juggler, is at the Lyceum, with the London
Mrs. Scarsey, mother of Mrs. Herrmann, wife of "Herrmann the
Gaiety Co.
Great," died recently at the home of Herrmann, Whitestone, L. I.

I P

flDabatma.

<$}*?. y-

Prof. W. Floyd, of Chelsea, Mass., has had a very successful season, and is now booking ahead for next season.
The great and only Albini, the King of Cards, is meeting witli his
usual unparalleled success. This very clever magician who seems to
make friends wherever he goes, sends a complimentary telegram to
"MAIIATMA" up.m its appearance in the magical world, and stands
ready to contribute some interesting reading for magicians about his
travels around the world.
Chevalier Thorn is meeting with success at the Theresienstadter
Casino, at Buda Pest, in Hungary. His Mahatma wonders of Madame Blavatzka and Aerographia create a great sensation.
A sensation has been created in Berlin by an entirely novel feature.
The performer appears on the stage with a black mask on his face.
He introduces himself with a pjetical address to the audience, and
proceeds with his performance; although his tricks are not new, they
are performed in a very brilliant style. He advertises himself L'llome
Masque. The mystery surrounding his person draws great crowds
to his seances.
Bertram, the well known London magician is expected to tour
this country accompanied by Chevalier, the music hall celebrity.
Krieger, the Russian magician, has returned from a very successful trip in the West Indies and Florida.

F. S.Would state that it will be impossible to explain

how all tricks are done. In the first place the manufacturers
and dealers in magical goods are in the business to sell apparatus and secrets of their trade, and it would not be fair to
them to explain what it possibly has taken them years and
a large outlay of money to find out. Upon the other hand
we are going to explain a certain amount of experiments
that will help the magician to better the tricks that they have
all ready in stock, showing them the improved way as far
as known to the editor of this paper, while the magician
himself must build from the information gleaned from our
LETTER FROM OUR CHICAGO CORRESPONDENT.
columns in this paper. It will start him thinking and he will
find still more improvements.
Truth is more reliable than fiction, and yet erroneous impressions are apt
M AHATMA wants'to introduce new tricks as much as possi- to creep into the mind of the most intelligent, there to take root and blossom
ble so that the magicians at large will know what is in the forth in false teachings, which delude and confound the intellect of the over
credulous, who seek the "Light and the Way."
market as soon as it comes out.
Prof. W. J. Andrews opens next week in the Opera House, Lowell,
Mass.
Prof. Harry Helms, magician and juggler, will exhibit the Guillatine Decapitation and a new illusion called Confucius, or the Wizard's
Dream, next season.
In introducing "Jewett" the Hartford magician, upon the front
page of MAIIAT.MA, it is well perhaps to state that it is a change from
the old magicians of fame to the coming men who have earned the
right by their skill to entitle them to be called the coming magicians.
It is also a pleasure to the publisher of this paper to be able to introduce so worthy an exponent of magic as the well known Hartford
magician. There seems to be nothing too high for this aspiring
young man, who has carefully and thoroughly studied and practiced
the art of magic, and who seems imbued with the originality and expertness that seems to be born in this rising star of the magical world
until at this present day he certainly stands upon the top round of
the ladder of fame.
Hon. M. \V. Howard, Congressman elect from Alabama, will give
a limited number of lectures this coming season on his great reform
book, "If Christ came to Congress." He will be under the sole management of D. W. Robertson.
Martyne, the phenominal entertainer, has signed a contract with
D. W. Robertson for next season, and from present appearances he
will do a big business.
Prof. W. N. Davies, of Clebourne, Texas, is filling local dates.
LaBey, the magician of Savannah, Ga., is with the Wynn Novelty
and Mystery Combination.
The " Jarretts" write from Lake View, Wooster, Mass., that they
have just closed with the Matthew Comedy Co., and are now playing
local dates.
Imro Fox relates a story from actual experience which happened
to the famous comic conjurer while filling an engagement at Montgomery, Alabama, in '86. The Professor's assistant was taken sick
and he secured a colored gentleman to fill the bill, and after repeated
instructions he decided that the assistant was competent. One of his
problems was shooting the gold watch that he borrows from a gentleman in the audience into the looking glass. The watch in due order was handed to the assistant to fill his part of the programme.
Fox waited patiently for his appearance upon the stageand he is
still waiting. Fox paid 46.00 to the gentleman for his watch, and
he now claims that good assistant's come high.
Prof. Wilmar Whittier, mind reader and mesmerist was the attraction at Kohl & Middleton's museum, Minneapolis, Minn., last week.
He exhibited a lady asleep in a casket under Hypnotic influence.
Master Harry Shagren, the youthful conjurer of Minneapolis, Minn.,
is gaining the reputation of being a clever magician.
Prof. Fred. Bancroft, of Minneapolis, Minn., is filling local dates.
Prof. J. H. Stevenson, the Brooklyn magician, appeared at the
Atheneum on April 15th, his programme was a genuine surprise. He
was congratulated by the committee on his originality and cleverness.
The Great "Powell" who has entertained people of all countries
is at present raking in the good Yankee dollars in his own native
land. Powell is certainly one of the cleverest mennot of this country onlybut of the world in magic. Those who have seen Powell,
and by this I mean the professional magicians of the day. claim that
he is without a peer.

In reading the theosophical writings of the late Madame Blavatsky, the

.founder and high Priestess ot the philosophical religion, Theosophy, we are
led to believe that there is but one method by which written communications can reach the Mahatma.
The miracle of the precipitated letter being the accepted way. Time ami
space are here annihilated for in the twinkling of an eye, quicker than thought,
the letter has reached its destination. This, however, is a mistaken idea as
I have discovered that the Mahatma can also be reached in the ordinary way.
This letter will leave on the fast mail between Chicago and New York, there
to be delivered to MAHATMA by the post office department on schedule time.
Kellar closed a brilliant three weeks' engagement at Schiller's Theatre,
April the 3d. Crowded houses greeted him at each performance. The success achieved by Kellar in this city has been phenominal and deserving.
Coming here last season comparatively unknown to the general public, he
was forced to play to empty seats, but he must have made a strong impression for this season. Kellar has made for himself a name that is now conceded here by managers and the public as the leading favorite in his chosen
line of work, and is sure to prove a strong drawing card in his future visits
to the great Western metropolis. Booked originally for two weeks, the manager of the Schiller Theatre prevailed on him to remain over another week,
and if the patronage bestowed on his entertainment! is to betaken as a criterion, this, too, during the poorest week of the year, holy week, when the
strongest attractions find it more profitable to lay off than to perform, it is
safe to predict that he will be able to draw crowded houses for many weeks
to come. The evening we witnessed his performance, Good Friday night,
which is positively the poorest night in the year to showmen, the house was
packed from the orchestra to gallery.
Mrs. Kellar, in the new Karmos, delighted and bewildered the spectators,
but from a professional standpoint, I do not like the new act as well as the
original Karmos, as first presented by them in this country, owing to its simplicity, and the fact that a committee cannot be allowed on the stage without detecting its modus opcrandi, yet it is a good act and has greater possibilities in the way of tests, etc., .and no doubt, is more wonderful to the
uniniated. But it has a great drawback from the first Karmos, it is so simple
that many are sure to duplicate and "murder it.'1
Kellar's season will close at St. Louis, the first week in June, after which
he will proceed at once to Erie, Pa., to superintend the construction of three
new illusionary features for next season.
Suzanna Schafler, equilibrist and juggler, one of the original Schaffer family, made her American appearance in her new act at Hopkin's theatre, April
1 }th. Her brother Severus, has been performing tor weeks past at the Royal
English Circus. Week of April the 1 5th, he appeared at the Olympic theatre.
Prof. Zarro laid off here week of April 8th, and opened at Q_uincy, Illinois,
April !>th, and is booked to appear at St. Joseph, Mo., on the 22d. Prof!
Zarro makes a feature of the decapitation act. He is soon to appear in this
city at Hopkin's theatre.
Prof. Frank Hubin joined the Ringling Bros, circus here April the 22d,
engaged for magic and punch with the side show.
Dr. Merlin and Margaret Hayden will close a season of nine months at the
London Musee the last week of May, and will rest during the summer months
at their cottage at Old Orchard Beach, Maine.
Charles Colby, the warbling ventriloquist, appeared at the Park Theatre,
the week of April the 2nd, making the hit of the show. Mr. Colby has been
elected Secretary of the Actor's Protective Union of this State, a position which
he (ills in a creditable manner.
Prof. Kruger, magician, appeared at Kohl & Middleton's museum the week
of April the 22d and 2Qth.

flDabatma.

The "Aerial Ballet," a spectacular stage illusion was presented for the first out scarring the parts or producing pain. When we take into consideration
time in the United States at Havlin's theatre, April 14th, for a run of three that this feat is performed ten times daily it is wonderful to say the least.
week?, and pleased large audiences during the engagement. There is much
Mons. Theodor is the originator of another remarkable exhibition which
ingenuity displayed in this pleasing stage picture. The "Aerial Ballet" is has attracted tile attention of the medical profession. At a recent date he
done by six women in mid-air. But how they get there or are held there is performed the feat before the medical faculty, and the students of Rush Meda mystery to the spectators. They are undoubtedly suspended by wires, but ical College. It is called the "man boiled alive," and was presented a few
no means of support of any kind can be detected though the stage is fairly months ago on the Kohl & Muidleton circuit. A large metal tank of boiling
flooded with calcium lights at times. Novel as the suspension of the dancers water, underneath burns a blazing fire, when Ihe water has reached a temperis, the "turn" would lack interest but for the color and shape effects produced ature of 100 degrees of Fahrenheit heat, water hot enough to boil an egg in
by the man who manipulates the light. It is comparatively easy to change ten minutes, Mons. Theodor enters the tank of boiling water naked with
the colors of all costumes on one group to one shade, but it is claimed that the exception of a pair of bathing trunks and remains there twenty minutes.
no one but this operator, Nilsson, has the knack of changing shapes as well
Apparently there is no deception as every part of the tank bears the closest
as colors and of changing the shape and style and hue of individual costumes examination, and is performed under the eyes of a committee selected from
in full view ot the audience without disturbing other members of the group.
the audience. Mr. Harry H. Heath who is business manager for the boiling
water act, has made arrangements with a number of spiritual societies to preAt one time all six of the suspended dancers seem clad in flowing white
robes, and to be doing a skirt dance. Presto, change! four of them are sent the exhibition at the Spiritual Camp Meetings during the months of
August and September as a manifestation of spiritual control.
dressed in pale blue tights. Another shift of the light and the long white
robes have changed to blue wings with gold dots. Then, a gorgeous huge
Professor John J. Scheidler appeared at Kohl & Middleton's museum the
butterfly wafts itself across the stage, and a second later the group is a daz- week of April 1st and Sth, and left this city April the 1 sth, with Miss Mollie
zling mixture of moths, dancers and winged girls. This illusion is an EngRoberts, for Covington, Kentucky, to join the side show at Washburn's Cirlish importation brought from London, England, for the Winter Circus, but cus which opens the tenting season at Covington, Kentucky, Apiil 20th.
owing to the construction of the building could not be presented there.
Ziska, the " phenominal magician," is resting in the city. Ziska is engaged
Prof. W. L. Harrington, magician and ventriloquist, who has been showto appear at the Roof Garden Theatre, opening July 1st for the summer
ing the small towns of the West, closed his season April the 1 sth, owing to months. This theatre is situated on the roof of the Masonic Temple, the
poor business. For years the Professor assisted by other talent has been
highest building in the world. Ziska performed there all of last season.
exhibiting a legitimate gift show throughout the small cities and towns of
Dolan and Lennhar, who formerly performed a sketch in which they introthis country. He reports this season as the worst he has experienced in twenty duced second sight appeared at Hopkins continuous show house, week of
years. Harrington has arrived at the conclusion that the people have lost conApril 1st, appearing in a society sketch, a satire on the dramatic play " The
fidence in the promises made by the gift showmen, and instead of it being a
Crust of Society."
drawing card as in the old days, it is a detriment, and is sure to keep people
The Hindoo Fakirs who appeared on the Midway Plaisance at the World's
away, therefore he is forever done with gift shows. He is still in the city but
Fair, were at Kohl & Middletons, April the 15th and 22d.
his future plans are undecided.
Hornmann the " u p to date magician " left this city April the 28th, to play
Prof. William Start, of Elgin, Illinois, was arrested and lodged in jail here
a three week's engagement on the Moore circuit, opening at Detroit, April
April the Sth, accused of stealing one hundred and seventy-live dollars from
29th; Rochester, May 6th, and Toronto, Canada, the n t h ; making the third
Michael J. Shaw, a saloon keeper of this city, under peculiar circumstances.
return engagements at the above named places this season.
Shaw, it is stated, had befriended Prof. Start when in need, sharing his sleepHenri Cazman, shadowist and magician, appeared at Hopkin's Theatre the
ing apartments with him for two weeks. This is Shaw's story as related to
week of April 1 sth and 22d. Cazman will have a company of his own next
the police: ''One night he was kept late at his bar, about half past two
o'clock in the morning he found that in tile hurry and bustle of business one season, to be known as the Henri Cazman Royal European Vaudeville Co.
The season is nearly all booked.
of dis customers passed what looked like a bad ten dollar bill on him. This
bill Mr. Shaw took a good description of and put down its number so he
Professor Andress, one of the old time magicians, is in the city with Ringwould be able to inquire more intelligently at the bank whether the bill was
ling Bros, circus. Prof. Andress has the side show concession with the Ringcounterfeit or not. He put the ten dollar bill in with a roll of one hundred ling circus.
and sixty-five, which he deposited under his pillow when he retired, and in
Prof. A. D. La Fayette appeared the week of April istli and 22d at the
the morning when he woke up he found the money was gone, and so was London Dime museum.
"Start." A day later Start was arrested while sending a telegraph message
DR. ALBERT MERLIN.
to a lady in Elgin, who he wished to join him here. When arrested the ten
dollar bill which the saloon keeper identified at once, was found concealed
A GENEROUS OFFER TO THE READERS OF M A H A T M A . " M y
in his overshoe. At his room a trunk full of magical apparatus was found,
Old Village Home," words and music by Dr. A. Merlin.
together with a two thousand mile ticket over the Wabash railroad, this
Published last month by the Tontine Music Co. F. J. Tierticket Start admitted having pin chased intending to visit the small towns
along the route and give slight of hand exhibitions. At the trial the accusaney reports that the demand for Dr. Merlin's song, exceeds
tion made by Shaw was not proven. Prof. Start was honorably acquitted
the sale of any of the other twenty-three songs published at
of the charge by Judge Burke, who severely reprimanded Shaw tor the flimsy
story related to the police and on the witness stand. The charge was evi- the same time; twelve of which were written by F. McGlennon, author of more popular songs than any composer living.
dently a blackmailing scheme. Prof. Start it is said is the son of a rich
father whom Shaw expected would settle the case out of court.
The title page is adorned with a large halftone engraving of
Mons. Theodor, the Fire King, played a two week's engagement at the
London Musee, April the Sth and 1 sth, performing the strongest fire act ever
iresented at the London. Apparently he is fire proof. Among the many
ire tests accomplished by Mons. Theodor is one that deserves special mention as 1 have never seen it accomplished by another performer. A large
torch of burning flame is slowly passed over his naked arms and breast with-

the popular Doctor, who looks as natural as life. Mr. Tierney will send the song to the readers of MAHATMA, postage
free, at the professional rate, 10 cents per copy. Address
M. |. Tierney, manager Tontine Music Co., 415 Dearborn
St., Chicago, III.

ROBERT ANKELE,

THE VERSATILE ENTERTAINER.

HUCH C. EMMETT,

C%EA TOR OH ORIGINAL DESIGNS A N'T) Ovl*AKE% OF ECONOMICAL

(Musical. Mimical and Vcutriloquial
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ELMER P.RANSOM
Address, 172 South 9th Street, Brooklyn.

SISTERS LYNN,
THE CELEBRATED JUVENILE ARTISTS,
Can be engaged for Churches, Lodges, etc.
Address 1368 Herkimer St., Brooklyn, N. Y.
JOHN W. LITTLE,
Prestidigitateur.
Latest illusions in conjuring.
Address, 18 Broadway, New York.

THH WONDERFUL PUZZLE PURSE.

The Cnpil.il Puzzle is quite new and one of the best puzzles
ever invented. The purse is made of leather, is strong, has a
JOSEPH B. PEYROUX,
nickle plated rim and is very convenient for keeping moneySELF RKGISTHRING PLJRsl A M ' I'<M,KKT SAFK.
Holding the purse in one hand and blowing at it, it will fly
A decided novelty. Drop a dime in the slot, the first coin
MUSICIAN,
open. Handing it over to be examined it is closed and no one deposited locks the purse and registers it. When one dollar has
VIOLINIST.
i ^ Owner St., Brooklyn. can discover the secret of its opening. Sent free by mail for 30c. been deposited the purse cm be opened. Sent by mail for }oc.

A. ROTERBERG,
l>l- M l K IN

THE EUREKA PUZZLE.

A handsonx brass disc perforated by numerous holes, into
which a sliding ring is fitted. The solution of the puzzle is to

NO. 26 NORTH CLARK STREET,

CHICACO, ILL.
O

UhVkLlNI- WHIblLh. New.

Samples mailed post-paid on receipt of 25 cents.
HORSE SHOE COIN HOLDER.
A new nickel plated coin holder, takes 10 cent coins. When
ten are put in it, it opens. It can be attached to the watch
chain. Sent free by mail for 15c.
STAR NOVELTY CO., 1008 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn.

CATALOGUE OF OVER 400 NEW AND STANDARD

TRICKS, 10 cents.

Nuthiiiij hut the finest apparatus made at this mumi-

factory, and at prices that defy competition.

i( i\\'i\t>l\
\ _ M - p

of

FOR SALE, one first class Stereopticon with oil and oxyhydrogen lights, screens, shades, everything as good as new.
" M A H A T i v I A ' 'always on sale at my start from the center and clear the rint'in i&moves. It can be Cost $400. Price 125. Wm. Goodfellow, 9 Clay Street,
Establishment
done. VVrv amnin r and fascinating. Sentjby mail f o r ^ c .
SouthaNorwalk, Conn.

N E W

YORK

CSTY.

DHPOT FOR THEATRICAL HARDWARE AND SUPPLIES.

General Agent for Eastern and Middle States for J. R. CLANCY, of Syracuse, N. Y. Sole manufacturer EXCELSIOR
PROFILE, KEYSTONES and C< >RNERS. Estimate furnished for all Stage Supplies.

5T^
THE LARGEST ENTERTAINMENT BUREAU IN
THE UNITED STATES.
ALL

OK TI-IK

Park Row, New York.

LEADING

AKT1STS

OK

THE

] )AV.

VENTRILOQUIST!

SIXTY LAUGHS IN SIXTY MINUTES.

HUMORIST, ARTISTIC, MIMIC ELOCUTIONIST.

MARTYNE,

PHenomenal
Sl.ttrlns

iritlumt Pitiuirx.

Entertainer,
From fuur to si.v coiecs.

93
25

THE ONLY MAN THAT LAUGHS AND CRIES AT THE SAME TIME
DELINEATING 20 DISTINCT PEOPLE.
CHASTE AND MORAL.
The greatest Entertainer for Churches, Lodges, etc.. that I have ever seen.Editor Mahatma.

ADabatma.

12

JJrrfrrt

Jtom Titling*

PLAYING ONLY THE LEADING FIRST CLASS THEATRES.

A tew of the many Metropolitan endorsements:

NOW

BOOKINC

SEASONS OF ' 9 6 , ' 9 7 , ' 9 8 .

SOMF. OF THE MANY ORIGINAL CREATIONS
PRESENTED BY "POWELL."

POWELL fresh from a three years'tour

of South America, presented a series of
entirely new feats, and baffled all attempts at solution. His sleight of hand
little short of the supernatural.
E i
S
A
N. Y. Evening
Sun,
April i l
ijtli,II ''92. I

Suggested by the cave scene in Rider Haggard's novel

S H E . " of that name, and presented for the first time at'El
leatro Baralt, Maracaibo, Venzuela, S. A. A beautiful
woman apparently burned to ashes in full view of the audience.
tAFTER THE FLOOD OR THE ARK OF NOAH.
Founded on the biblical legend of Noah and the Ark, in which a
coterie of wild and domestic animals'are used, culminating with the
production of a beautiful woman, dressed as a sea nymph.
RATIO TRANSIT OR SUBSTITUTION.
POWELL'S latest version of the great Hindoo mystery.
THE CABINET OF PHtA&CTAOflS OR THE VAG-AH^IES
OF MO*DER&C SPIRITUALISM
A novel Cabinet Seance ending outside the lines of such productions.
m-AHATM-A'S MIRACLES.
The materialization of life, and shadows from the Spirit world.
METAMORPHOSIS.
I The substitution of a beautiful American girl for a live Indian.
THE MISSING "'BRhDE.- An entirely new illusion.
ICA%IAN, Oli FT? (KM THE EARTH TO THE SUN.
First produced by Powell at the Queen's Theatre, Montreal, Canada, Sept. 22d, 1895.
The Hindoo Ladder Mystery, Crystal Casket of Mahomet, A
Tribute of Flora. The Cave of the Orient, The Light of Asia, La
Seance de Suggestion, etc., etc.

FREDERICK EUGENE POWELL, a prestidigitateur who has

been traveling in South America, made hisfirstrip-]

pearance in this city last evening. Especially entertaining were his unique digital manipulations with cards
and handkerchiefs.N. Y. Herald. April n/h, '92. i|
POWELL proved to be a skillful entertainer and kept,
his audience amused by his droll talk, humorous stories]
and anecdotes..V. Y. Times, ^April nlh, 1892.
\
POWELL'S tricks were done with much skill. His]
most important illusion, entitled "She," suggested by!
the Cave Scene in Rider Haggard's novel of that name,]
was exceedingly startling and well done.N. Y. Tribune,

April

/ ? / / ? , 1892.

POWELL an adept sleight of hand performer and illusionist appearedforthefirsttime in this city last evening. ]
His peiforniance was largely experimental in that it was'
manifest that the performer was feeling his way cau-j
tiously with his audience. The latter was less coy, for
after the first few sleight of hand tricks cleverly performed they accepted the new comer unreservedly. * *
Of Powell it can be said that he is one of the most skill-'

ful of prestidigitateurs.Recorder, April 18th, '92. \

POWELL is one of the few magicians who's work is r
original and clever, and he has an attractive personality ( f ( j f
and his researches are beyond the domain of the o r - "
dinary conjurer.N. Y. IVorld, tApril 13, '92.

P O W E L L S Latest for the coming season:

THE <ASTRAL "BODY.

' An entirely new and original production, embracing new principles
never before utilized in illusions.
o
Address all communications to

POWELL,
2t!tt0tcr of I

. B . A . M Y E R S , Manager

NYw York Office:

:\\

!
51 WEST 28TH STREET.

NO.

R o o m s H, (>. 10, 1 i"and_i2.

- wcnjM

MARTINKA & cO.,

AND IMPOrjTEFjS OF

/TNE

APPARATUS,
493

LARGEST

AND

SIXTH AVENUE, NEW YORK.

MOST

COMPLETE
STOCK
IN THIS COUNTRY.

OF

FINE

A.PPAKATUS

apparatus of every Irinb mabc to orbcr.

Our complete fully illustrated Book Catalogue with 500 engravings and description of every Trick and Novelty
up to date, will be sent on receipt of 1 5 c . Illustrated Catalogue of Parlor Tricks free on application.

Since the issue of the new tariff we have reduced the price of extra fine Figured Felt, imported specially for
Magicians' table coverings, from 4 ( ) cents to 2 5 cents per square foot. Send 2 cent stamp for Samples.

NEW ADDITIONS.
JP"UL5BZile!S C > l c 3 . a - H C l I>J"e"\7V.New book by
Professor Unll'man; liwuit i fully bound and fully illustrated, 394 pages, $
T 3 e m . O n
H e t n t i . A perfectly modeled hand is she
and placed with 1he finger tips on top of a pack of cards contained 111
transparent goblet. At cfonmiand the hand picks out any chosen caul
from the pack while the performer is amongst the audience, SO.00. '
Detachable Magician's Pocket.Useful for getting- rid and producing- articles like handkerchiefs, eggs, bowls, etc. Can he taken
off and put on instantly, 81.50.
Palming Apparatus lor Billiard
Balls, Eggs, etc. With the help of this apparatus any one can
perform the feat of palming- round articles with ease, 50 cts.

KAMLEY'S GRAND MAGICAL SALOOKS*

A*><

ma.
THE ONIV 1'APH. IN THE UMTIU STATUS DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OH MAGICIANS, SPIRITUALISTS, MESMERISTS, ETC.

NHW YORK, JUNE, 1895.

SINGLE COPY, 10 CENTS,

MR. AND MRS. W. E. ROBINSON.

etc. The name Astarte was unfortunately not copyrighted,

and while with Kellar the name of Achmed Ben Ali was
Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Robinson, the subjects ot the fol- changed to Nana Sahib, as other performers had pirated the
lowing sketch, are well known to the magical fraternity. name. Robinson's next engagement was with Herrmann
They were the original successful exponents of that bewilder- the Great, he was then known as Abdul Kahn, and Astarte
ing and bewitching entertainment now so widely known as became known as Florine, Child of the Air. The Robinsons'
the Black Art, and was first introduced at B. F. Keith's Gay- have been connected with Herrmann and Kellar for the past
ety and Bijou theatre, Providence, R. I., where they played ten years, and in that time have helped to prepare and work
a marvellous run of four months, and from there they went all the modern big illusions. Mrs. Robinson, familiarly
to the Bijou theatre, Boston, for three months, and created known as little "Dot" Robinson, is acknowledged to be as
the most profound sensation of any performance placed before bright as a gold dollar, and one of the best assistants in existence. She wasinthestockcomoany at the Bijou Theatre, Bosthe public.
In the meanwhile Herrmann and Kellar had heard of ton, for a year and a half as dancing and singing soubrette.
Robinson was formally known as "TheMan ofMystery,"
these wonderful goings on, and sent their respective agents

to investigate, and if possible, to engage Achmed Ben Ali,

the name Robinson then assumed.
Kellar was the successful man, and procured the Robinsons' for his entertainment. Besides producing the Black
Art with Kellar, Robinson also introduced the illusion of the
Cocoon, which he was also the first to present in America
at a private performance for Manager Bingham at the Westminster Musee, Providence, R. 1. He was the first to give
the world famed illusion Astarte, which is the joint invention
of B. B. Keyes, of Boston, and himself. This illusion, Astarte, as well as the Black Art, have had numerous imitators,
who not only copied every movement, gesture, costume and
all little ideas that go to make an act, but also used the names,

and played the variety theatres some fifteen years ago, and
then toured the country for a few seasons with his own
show, which consisted of magic, spiritualism, mind reading,
etc., he being a good all around performer.
Those who know Robinson personally find him a bright
and interesting man to talk to, and one who is perhaps as
well or better acquainted with magic and its followers than
any other man in his profession. He is an extensive reader,
and has a valuable library of over two hundred works on
magic, in all languages and ages, and is considered a good
authority on all things in magic generally. He certainly has
had a long and varied experience, and it will not be a surprise some day to see a new bright star in the magical sky.

FT
flfcabatma.

MAHATMA.

FROM OUR BOSTON CORRESPONDENT.

ISSUFD THE ist OF EACH MONTH.

Cheiro, the Indian Palmist from Bombay, has visited Boston and examined many hands, the impression of some of which have been taken by Mr.
HAMLEY'S MAGICAL SALOONS,
| J. D. Cole, of Bombay, the eminent young Parsee who is traveling around
the world with Cheiro.
229, HIGH HOLBORN,
We received a call from Vandez, the Australian Wizard, who is touring
LONDON, W.C.
1 the N. E. States with his own Medicine Co.
RATES OF ADVERTISEMENTS. Twenty cents per line, nonpareil type measure; space of
Dr. Wilson, formerly known professionally as Aristos, of Kansas City,
one inch $2.40 each insertion. A deduction of 20 per cent, is allowed on advertisements when
paid for three months in advance, and on advertisements measuring 50 lines or more.
MIL, paid us a visit recently; he is a very pleasant gentleman and well posted.
For Sale or Exchange column, 15 cents a line. Copyrighted March, 1895.
Prof. Wm. E. Skinner, the magician and mesmerist, has been in the
Remittances should be made by cheque, post office or express money order, or registered
letter.
city, and contemplates taking the road again next fall.
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter
Mrs. Lovcnberg, lady magician, was at Austin & Stones, week of May 6th.
Prof. W. W. Dayton has been around Boston, playing in near by towns.
We announce with pleasure that MAHATMA is out this month on time,
We received a pleasant call from Gordon Helvix, the Fire Demon, who
and will state that the Magical fraternity should not miss the next issue of
is going on the road next season.
this paper, as we will have an interesting letter from that well known exponThe "Jarretts" open here at the Palace Theatre, week of May 27th, with
ent of magic, W. E. Robinson, and many other good things on magic, etc.
their troupe of Marionettes, following week of June 3d, at Hall's Casino, ChiMAHATMA will publish and give credit to all who send original ideas that are
cago. They intend presenting next season a series of Patriotic Tableaus.
of real merit.
The Pharmacy Fair which opened May 1st for the month, closed the 15th
for the lack of funds; the drug trade was against it from the start, and boyPowell has just completed the construction of an entirely new and origcotted it. It was the first of its kind in this country, and the Hall of Mysinal illusion which will be presented for the first time during his coining tour
tery at the Fair was in charge of Prof. Fredericks, who presented Black Art,
which opens in Philadelphia in September. His stage settings will also be
Aerial Suspension, Thauma, and the Head on Golden Bars. In this hall, also,
entirely new, and will present several original ideas. The decorations being
was Weston, the Mechanical Walking Automaton, owned and exhibited by
entirely of gold.
Chas. Walker. Weston is probably the most life-like automatic walking
W. E. Robinson, "The Man of Mystery" will in the July number configure ever placed on exhibition.
tribute a very interesting article on magic, containing wrinkles, advice, and
Kreiger, the Russian conjurer, was at Austin & Stones week of May 20th
experiences culled from twenty years active work in the "World of Magic."
and 27th, creating much amusement as usual.
" J e w e t f the Hartford, magician, has now under construction
Dexter, the Man of Mystery, was also at Austin & Stones the same week, f
three original illusions which will make his show next season second
presenting his cage and box act. His transit from the locked cage to the box,
to none.
is very rapid and proved very mysterious, done without the use of a cabinet.
Imro Fox, the Comic Conjurer, who is so well known in the magMr. Dexter intends presenting an entirely new act next season.
ical world, is not only a wit on the stage, but is a comical fellow at all
We were pleasantly surprised by a call from Dr. Merlin, who has closed
times, a pleasant gentleman to meet and a thorough artist. The
his season's work at Chicago, and spends the summer with his wife at Old
Professor can give the fraternity lessons in dexterity and when corOrchard, Me. The Doctor is certainly one of those people who believe in
nered by magicians shows plainly that he can let himself out and he
the full enjoyment of the fruits of their labor.
will show some of the cleanest passes in the business.
Anna Eva Fay has been playing in the neighboring towns with good sucJohn W. Whalen, the magician, has made quite a success with
cess, her reading and answering questions written by the audience has mys- .
his new trick, producing a large fish bowl, rabbits, handkerchiefs and
fled them. She is certainly one of the cleverest travelling mediums on the
a number of balls and other articles from a small table situated in the
road. She left here the 25th for St. John, N. B., with her company, and is
center of the stage. Introduced by him for the first time at Doris'
booked to open in Halifax, N. S.
Bijou Theatre, this city.
Mr. Albert Eddy, magician, has left the road for the present, and is installed as business manager of the Actors' Protective Union of Boston.
FROM OUR CLEVELAND CORRESPONDENT.
Warren Lincoln, assisted by Gipsy Q _ u e e n , gave a spiritualistic entertainment at Horticultural Hall, May 26th. Mr. Lincoln is one of the very few
HarU, the magician, now manager Euclid Avenue Opera House, gave
who makes money from this form of show. He is probably one of the oldest
several very delightful and mystifying entertainments at a Fair given atSangat the business, and always plays to full houses. He resides near Boston.
erfeist Hall, for the benefit of the Young Men's Hebrew Association. Prof.
Andy Johns, the magician, paid Boston a flying visit the 26th. He is
Hartz has a very clever way of working the Fish Bowls. He produces four
with
one of the Kickapoo Medicine Companies, and reports good business.
large bowls in rapid succession, while in the midst of his audience, and each
The new amusement enterprise: The Floating Palace, lying at East Boston,
bowl has a massive silver tripod attached. He hands the bowls for examinanow nearly completed, will be opened to the public May 30th, at City Point,
tion as fast as produced. He is as clever as of yore and made a decided hit.
South Boston, with the largest congregation of leading vaudeville artists ever
A. G. Fiisbie, a wealthy real estate dealer of this city, who has been
seen on one bill. The interior of the mammoth boat is finished throughout
studying magic for some time, is to make his professional debut shortly; he
in white and gold, with stage, dressing rooms, 4 boxes and balcony. The
has signed a contract for the summer season, and leaves here for New York
boat will spend the summer season along the coast, going south in the winter.
in a few days.
Prof. Edwards is at Austen & Stones weeks 20th and 27th in Black Art.
Melbourne, manipulator, has given up juggling, and is studying for an
Trilby returned to Boston, at the Boston Theatre, May n t h , for a run,
operatic career.
the change of company seems in no way to lessen the popular interest the
Sells' Bros. Circus turned people away. Cradoc, Roman Axe Juggler, is
play has aroused, and the season may continue for some time.
a feature of the big show. Madame Harbeck is making a hit with her jugW. D. LeRoy, the magician, has been unusually busy this Spring with
gling on a slack wire. Prof. Elmo, the magician, has charge of the side show.
dates which have kept him hustling most of the time, besides being flooded
Prof. C. D. Pereira, is having a fine set of tables made, also some fine
with orders from all over the country.
conjuring apparatus. He expects to fill local dates this summer.
Mr. and Mrs. Baldwin, the White Mahatmas, and their Butterfly Coterie,
Dr. Ormsbee, an old time magician, is living in retirement in the Forest
open June 3d, for three weeks at the Bowdoin Square
A great deal of
City. He is nearly 70 years of age, and has not given any public performcuriosity is felt by theatre goers and many of those interested in magic, as to
ances for fourteen or fifteen years, but nevertheless he awaits anxiously the adwhat the White Mahatma really is. As Boston has had no large mystery
vent of MAHATMA each month, and peruses it with all the enthusiastic interest
show for over a year, we predict them a big business. Mr. Baldwin lias been
of a more youthful conjurer. Dr. Ormsbee still gives occasional entertaintouring the East for over a year, playing to crowded houses. They introduce
ments for his friends, church and club. He is still an original and skillful
no magic, but their second sight and Cabinet Acts are conceded to be very
conjurer.
clever. In next letter we will give a more detailed description of the MahatMAURICE RAYMOND.

mas for "MAHATMA."

W. D. LEROY.

flfoatama.
A STARTLER FOR A CAREFUL HOUSEKEEPER.
How to balance a coffee cup on the point of a
knife. The accessories are simple enough; in fact, you find
them all at hand when you take your seat at the dinner-table
a cork and two knives; nothing more is required, except
the knowledge "how it is done," and the skill to do it.
Pass the cork through the handle of a coffee cup. It
should lit tightly enough to be a close tit, but not so tightly
as to part cup and handle. Next thrust two knives back ot
the cork, see cut.
The centre of gravity of the whole being thus made to fall

be entire, with openings only at the upper and lower ends,

and no openings are seen in the folding screen which partly
surrounds the table. Upon the firing of a pistol the occupant
of the table is ignited, and smoke and flame bursting from

PREPARED FOR CREMATION.

the screen indicate that the work of destruction is going on

within. When the fire is burned out the screen is lifted,
below the cup, you place the latter on the point of the knife,
and by successive trials you will, in due time, find the exact
spot on which it will rest in equilibrium. The under side
of tea-cups being usually enamelled, there must be no trembling of the hand which holds the knife, or the cup would
slip and fall. At the outset it is well to keep the opposite
hand close to the cup, so as to be able to seize it and save
the cup in case of a fall.
A final hint: If you wish to make sure of your coffee,
drink it before you try to balance the cup.
A CREMATION SCENE.
Among interesting things that were to be seen at the Hdeii
Musee, in this city, perhaps one of the most curious and at
the same time scientific is the weird spectacle entitled "She,"
exhibited and originated by Powell, the well known illusionist, and suggested by the Cave scene in Rider Haggard's
celebrated novel "She."
In this scene a beautiful young lady mounts a table arranged in an alcove formed of a folding screen. Above the
victim is suspended a cylindrical cloth screen. The screen
is lowered to the level of the table, completely inclosing the
subject. The table apparently has four legs, and four candles shown beneath it indicate that the space underneath the
table is open and clear. The cylindrical screen is shown to

THt BURNING.

/Ifcabatma.
and nothing remains upon the table but a few smoldering
embers and a pile of bones surmounted bv a skull. (Jose
observation does not reveal any way of escape lor the young
woman. It is, however, obvious that the magician cannot
afford to sacrifice such a subject every evening, and the spectators are forced to conclude that the whole affair is a very
clever trick. In fact, it is simply a modilication of the beheaded lady and numerous other tricks based upon the use
of plane minors. The table has but two legs, the other two

els, which are of the same color as the central or back panel,
are reflected in the mirror and appear as a continuation of
the back panel. The triangular box, of which the mirrors
form two sides, has a top composed in part of the table top
and in part of mirror sections for reflecting the back panel,
or with a covering of the same color as the back panel.
The operation of the apparatus is now obvious. When
the victim is enclosed by the cylindrical screen, she immediately escapes through a trap door in the table top, places
the bones and the fireworks upon the table, and at the firing
of the pistol ignites the latter and retires, closing the trap
after her.

Scientific-American.

THE AMATEUR MAGICIAN.

BY CHARLES SUMNER KAY.

B.y the phrase "Amateur Magician," I do not mean the

precocious youth who buys a magic book, and gets together
a few mechanical tricks, and entertains his youthful friends
in the attic or the barn. Neither do I mean the more pretentious local " prestidigitateur" who lets himself out, either
free or for hire, to the local charity entertainments of his
neighborhood, and who is usually fairly skillful in a few simple coin sleights and conventional card tricks, closing his program with some such bewildering feats as the "mysterious
growth of flowers," which he may have squandered all his
superfluous cash to purchase, and which he employs with
s u c h << hit.
THE FINISH.

which appear being simply reflections. The central standard supports but two candles, the other two being reflections. Underneath the table, and converging at the central
standard, are arranged two plane mirrors at an angle of 90

THE ESCAPE.

degrees with each other and 45 degrees with the side panels
of the screens. By means of this arrangement the side pan-

I refer to the increasing class of bright business and professional men, who dip into magic a little, in the home circle
and in quiet parlor entertainments. Men who buy the better
class of parlor mechanical tricks, to use them but once, perhaps, and who especially value a really good card or coin
feat, in the skillful execution of which they often press closely upon the professional magician.
Every community of any size has one or more gentlemen
who take an interest in this diversion; and it is probable
that their number will increase. It is certain that no more
delightful feature can be added to an evening party, or a
social party musicale, than a little spicery in the way of
sleight of hand or clever magic.
Having given some attention to this diversion myself, I
know that such an entertainment always pleases, and I also
know that odd moments spent in studying out new modifications of old feats, and in trying to originate new experiments have always yielded pleasure to me.
1 have observed that the more phenomena of an apparently mental nature that can be introduced at such an entertainment, the higher satisfaction it seems to give. Coins and
cards, sparingly used, may divert for a moment, a clever
mechanical trick may temporarily amuse, but for pure, downright and engrossing attention from first to last, an experiment in mental phenomena always takes the palm.
Long familiarity with coins and cards in magic, and the
wonderful advances in mechanical and electrical appliances
have prepared the public to view with complacency anything
of that sort. They cease to astonish. From this I argue
that the magic of the future will be developed more and more
along mental lines. These represent almost the only field in

dfoabatma.
which, as yet, on account of its unexplored character, the
public is prepared to credit almost anything, and to be amazed at any really good experiment.
I have, for over five years, as a non-professional, and
simply as a business man, having this as a social' diversion,
conducted experiments along purely mental and mixed mental and sleight of hand lines, and have never during all that
time been detected in a single experiment. This has been
done in crowded rooms surrounded by, and closely pressed
by my audience, without mechanical appliances, and using
only the ordinary objects found in the room. 1 know therefore by experience, and by study, that it can be successfully
done.
I have originated, modified and purchased experiments,
often using them but once, and never under any prefect, preannouncing or repeating. To the last two rigid rules 1 attribute my non-detection.
Very few secrets which 1 may have purchased, have been
available in the shape in which 1 have received them. They
have often been merely suggestive of something else which
I have been able to found on the principle involved. There
is no more intensely absorbing occupation for leisure moments than the development, in quiet meditation, of a new
mental experiment, studying out its details, procedure and
effect.
I have no hesitancv in saying that I believe the "magic
of the future" will be brought out almost wholly along this
line. The present equipment of tables; traps, cones, boxes,
cabinets, etc., are destined to give way to a simply draped
stage with the settings of an ordinary parlor, just as certain
as the old time "curiosity shop" stage pharaphernalia was
displaced by the more modest appliances which we now have.
In behalf of a large possible constituency which " MAHATMA" might have, if it devoted liberal space to this rising
branch of magic. I would suggest that each month some
of the best obtainable experiments in this line be elucidated
in its columns. Many, I believe, would be willing to contribute to the general stock of information on this subject.
Your subscribers, as well as the dealers in magical apparatus and secrets, have rights in this matter. It is certainly
due the former that something good in this way, available
and thoroughly explained, appear each month in "MAHATMA."
It is gratifying to note that you have already commenced to
minister to this need.
THE ACTORS' PROTECTIVF. UNION No. i, OK AMERICA.
The greatest business ever done in Miners Bowery
theatre, was the week of May 13-18. The Actors' Protective
Union No. 1, of America, held the fort and successfully entertained thousands with the cream of talent who volunteered
their services for the benefit of the Actors' sick fund. Over
500 were on the bills and appeared during the week. Never
before has this city been so favored, all of the leading Vaudeville actors culled from all parts of the world willingly
took part in this charitable work. There were so many to
appear that encores were barred and all of the stars shared
alike in the liberal applause given impartially for so generous
a cause. The theatre goers of the Bowery seemed to know

them all and every act made a hit. The Actors' Protective
Union is aiming high, and under the able management of
John McCarthy, the President, and Joe M. Lawrence, the Secretary, will reach the popular favor and respect of all who
employ and who are entertained by the actors of this Union.
Mutual protection seems to be the bye-word, and all
members and the few who are honored by holding the offices of this Union are working faithfully to make more than
a success of it. So far they have been wonderfully encouraged by the constant demand lor admittance by men and
women of repute who see and appreciate the honor conferred by belonging to this Union who has now numbered
among its members the cream of the vaudeville stars.
It has now gone beyond the question, will it be a success ? It has overwhelmingly buried the question in the first
year of its existence, and it now aims to take in every actor
of repute, and it will be but a short time before all are under
the protecting arm of this Union.
The object and aim of this Union is mutual protection;
protection not only against the Agent who barters the skill
and brains of the performer for his own personal gain, but
also to protect the performer from irresponsible managers
who skip and leave salaries unpaid.
It is now possible for clubs, theatres, etc., to secure performers from this Union at the shortest possible notice, at
their rooms No. 105 East 14th Street. Address all communications to Joe M. Lawrence, Secretary of the Union.
At a meeting of the Union a vote of thanks was unanimously tendered to Joe M. Lawrence, the Secretary, and to
Tom Carter, who so capably filled the onerous duties of
stage manager, and also to Chas. Dawly, William Boyd and
James Barry, who so ably assisted the Secretary in making
this one of the most successful entertainments ever given in
New York city.
At the annual election the following named officers were
elected: John McCarthy, President; Geo. W. King. VicePresident; Al. E. Fostell, Treasurer; William Payne, S. & A.;
William Boyd Tyler, Jas. Nesbett, Del. C. L. U.; Joe M.
Lawrence, Secretary and Business Manager.
THE FAIRY TREE.
On the stage from a bed of gorgeous plants a large tree
covered all over with leaves and roses in full bloom appears.
The tree is about seven feet high and its branches and leaves
over live feet wide; between the bottom plants there is a
large Begonia with its beautiful tinted leaves and in the center of one of the leaves a large egg is seen. The performer
plucks the branch, shows it to the audience and in passing
his hand over it, the egg disappears and in its place is seen
a large caterpillar which is taken off of the leaf and grows
visibly to a length of twelve inches. The performer now
commands the tree to lower its lower branches, and the upper
branches incline to the front, bowing to the audience. After
a second command the tree assumes its proper shape and
the performer places the caterpillar upon one of the branches
of the tree, and the caterpillar is seen to crawl inside of the
branches until it gradually disappears within. At command
of the performer a transformation of the caterpillar into a large

/IDabatma.
yellowish egg or cocoon which grows higher and higher
from the top of the tree. The performer now fires a pistol
and the top leaves part and the egg opens in the center and
reveals a beautiful girl with golden butterfly wings and glittering attire.
It is an improvement on the Cocoon illusion, the idea
and execution being due to the celebrated illusionists Chevalier Thorn and Darvin. and has met with great applause
wherever it has been exhibited.
The tree in all its parts is of mechanical construction, the
trunk consists of an iron tube about ) inches in diameter; on
the sides are fastened strong hinge shaped pieces of iron to
which the two lower parts of the branches are fastened; on
the upper part two large branches are in the same way attached. The lower branches move side ways up and down,
the upper branches however incline in front, thus making the
movement of bowing. The rising and lowering the side
branches and inclining of the center branches on the upper
part is done to convince the audience that nothing is concealed behind the branches of the tree. On the hinges are
arranged strong levers on which wire ropes are connected,
and which are running over pulleys, placed on the back of
the bases, and which are manipulated by the assistant. On
the top of the tube is a fanlike arrangement on which the top
branches are fastened. Through the tube over pulleys two
wire ropes are running which are connected with a hoisting
arrangement which is placed under the stage below the tree.
In the tube runs also all its length along a slot in which slides
up and down a small chariot, and which is connected with
the other side of the wire ropes. On the chariot is placed an
egg shaped shell of thin wire, covered with a yellow stuff,
and which divides in two halves by means of hinges arranged
on both sides of the chariot. Inside of the egg is fastened
two cords which when tied holds the egg together. The
girl is sitting in the chariot in a crouched position, hidden by
the shells of the cocoon.
When the performer explains the illusion, and shows
the caterpillar egg, and then the caterpillar, and so on, the
large cocoon with the girl in it, is still under the stage behind
the box which forms the bed containing the foliage surrounding the tree; an opening is made for the passage of the chariot
with the cocoon. When at command of the performer the
lower branches are let down, the attendant at the windlass
begins to work and makes the ascent of the cocoon, which
is not seen to rise as it is hidden behind the branches; the
cocoon is then raised to its highest point behind the upper
branches. When the pistol is fired the girl opens the egg in
unfastening the cords which holds it together, and in pulling another cord which opens the fanlike arranged branches
on the top, the same parts with the egg on both sides and
the girl now revealed salutes the audience.
This beautiful and effective illusion is now in America
and to our knowledge never has been exhibited in this country, and is offered at a very reasonable price. Parties wishing to purchase this illusion may obtain particulars by addressing MAHATMA, and enclosing stamp for reply.
Horace Golden, one of the cleverest manipulators of cards and coins in
this city is meeting with the success he so well merits. The humorous wizard is out of sight with the egg bag trick.

RED, WHITE AND BLUE TRICK.

Prof. I.aMonte, of Binghamton, N.Y., contributes another idea on the red, white and blue trick, an original one of
his own. It is a little oval box two and one-half inches wide,
and two inches in depth, with two partitions inside, making
lour compartments inside with a hole one inch in diameter
in each compartment near the outer edge at top and bottom;
it has more room in each compartment and can be palmed
with ease. Each compartment is the same size, and it can
be picked up with the red handkerchief, which is worked
into A, and the white one out of B, and back again, and then
the blue the same as the white, until you come to the flag,
and the box can be dropped on the servante of the table.
CHAPEAUGRAPHY.

Napoleon.
SHADOWGRAPHY.

Rabbit.
There are now six magicians in Germany who have assumed the title of
" L'Home Masque," the original is now performing at Munich, the capital of
Bavaria, with great success.

A. !. MARTYNE
THE K I N G OF PLATFORM ENTERTAINERS.
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Jttaljatma.
LETTER FROM OUR CHICAGO CORRESPONDENT.
The Zarros played a three weeks' engagement in Chicago, ai
and
made a decided hit with their act, especially
especially at
at Frank
Frank Hall's
Hall's Casiti
Casino,
where they were week of May 12th. The remaining two weeks they
played Kohl & Middleton's Clark Street and Globe Museums.
Princess Tehi, the Oriental lady magician, left for Quincy, 111.,
on the 12th of May, in order to fill a two weeks' engagement at the
Quincy Museum. She received flattering notices for her clever work.
Genial Col. Diegle, of Marion, 111., a well known magician and
proprietor of Diegle's show was in town. The Colonel reports good
business throughout the season.
Flint, the mesmerist, is playing weekly stands to good business
through Illinois.
Prof. Zanetti, the dexterous conjurer, gave a very successful exhibition on May 21, at Battle Creek, Mich.
Prof. John Scheidler reports fine business with the side show of
Washburn's circus. Mr. Scheidler is ably assisted by Miss Mollie
Roberts, with whom he performs second sight and aerial suspension.
Mons. Travelle, the versatile juggler, conjurer, shadowgraphist
and chapeaugraphist, scored a hit with Tony Pastor's show, which
played here 3 weeks. Travelle is assisted by Mme. Travelle, whose
grace and beauty greatly add to the act.
Prof. Hornmann, the magician, played in Buffalo, N. Y., week of
May 19th, he appears in Kohl & Middleton's Minneapolis Musee, on
May 27th, being booked there for two weeks.
Mr. E. Barnello, the well known inventor of the modernfireact,
reports a large sale of his new work on fire eating. The title of the
book is " T h e Red Demons."
Mr. Louis C. Haley, the clever society magician of Madison, Wis.,
has had a successful season, and has succeeded in mystifying all who
have witnessed his performances.
Prof. Adams, magician, played at Kohl & Middleton's Clark
Street Musee week of the 12th, and then left for his home at St. Louis.
The Salambos opened at the Olympic Theatre, the 27th of May,
and scored a decided success in their electrical fire act, which is similar to the one performed by The Dante Bros., who recently created
such a sensation in Paris, France, with the above act.
Prof. Melohn gave another of his famous entertainments for the
benefit of the A. Turning Society of this city. A number of professional friends were invited and many resp mded. Among those present was Binebo, Tehi, M. Johnson, Mons. Bernier, R. Kohts, A.
Roterberg and others. All of the tricks which were large ones,
worked without a hitch, especially the growth of natural flowers, the
rice and orange trick, the flags of all nations, etc. Mr. Melohn's
original transmission of thought, is certainly a very clever act and
presented in an original way. The medium was placed on a skeleton
platform which was erected in the presence of the spectators. After
being securely blindfolded she described bank notes, checks, playing
cards, etc. Prof. Melohn was very ably assisted by Miss Louise Hahn,
a charming and accomplished young lady.
Wm. N. Selig, who some years ago was very well known in local
magical circles, has just returned to Chicago, after an absence of 54
years. Mr. Selig. whose clever black art at the Midwinter Fair at San
Francisco, is well remembered by many, has had many interesting
and varied experiences through California and the Western States.
Mons. Bernier, illusionist, is in Chicago. This gentleman was
unfortunate enough to lose his entire outfit by fire in Marion, Ind.,"
while traveling with the Wilbur Entertainment Co. The Professor
is purchasing another outfit and will soon be able to resume business.
Prof. W. L. Harrington left here May iSth to join Williams' show.
Mr. Harrington has had his own gift show, but he has given this up
for the time being.
Messrs. Chas. Burlingame & Co. of this city have just published a
neat pamphlet containing a history of magic and magicians, to which
is attached a catalogue of up to date tricks and illusions. Mr. Bur;
lingame has been having a large number of private dates this season.
Prof. Thos. E. Addy and wife are laying off in Aurora, 111., owing
to the ill health of Mrs. Addy. They had the misfortune to lose a
baby boy recently.

GENERAL NEWS.
Prof. Levino, of Kaslo, B. C , has had a successful season.
Henri Cazman, the noted fantaisist and shadowgraphist, has sailed for Europe. Mr. Cazman will return in the fall and head his own
company which will be one of the largest and best on the road.
Prof. W. W. Durbin, the magician of Kenton, Ohio, has been
playing local dates and reports a very successful season.
Prof. W. N. Davies, of Clebourne, Texas, is filling local dates.
LaBey, the magician of Savannah, Ga., is with The Wynn Novelty and Mystery Combination.
Prof. Louis C. Haly, of Madison, Wisconsin, has closed an exceptionally good season.
In our last issue we stated that A. J. Martyne, the phenomenal
entertainer, had signed a contract with Robertson, it is a mistake.
Prof. J. H. Stevenson, the Brooklyn magician, has mastered
the Knights tour published in the May issue of this paper. The Professor is a lover of the art and will create a place for himself in the
profession.
Mile. Olive, the clever girl juggler is at Keith's Boston house
week of May 27th. Her plate spinning, club, ball and baton juggling
is very good, especially for a little lady of her age and size. Her
attendant is a black page.
The Bellmonts have a new illusion entitled: " F u n on the Quiet,"
which will be on the road this coming season.
Prof. Wood, the famous magician, has several original tricks
which he will introduce next season.
Prof. Greene, the Wizard of Montreal, Canada, is filling an engagement at the Eden Musee, after which he will take his summer
route of the Northern Lakes.
Geo. C. Martin, of Thomsonville, Conn., is making quite a name
for himself as a magician.
MAIIATMA has many contributions for the next issue of this paper
which will interest magicians.
Harry and Bessie Houdini, introducers of the original "Metamorphosis," are not the team of Prof. Houdini and Mile. Olla, mentioned in a previous issue of this paper. Harry and Bessie are the
features of Welsh Bros. Circus, and are doing their old act and are
using their old name.
Prof. F. D. Hewes, the noted magician, manager of Worth's
Museum and Family Theatre of this city, will introduce his own original Levitation. The Professor is meeting with the greatest success
in his management of this theatre, and a bright future is promised
it under his enterprising management.
The only " Vernello" assisted by Mme. Vernello, close their season on June 29th, and will open again Aug. 12th. Chase, of Boston,
is working on a new outfit for them which promises to be one of the
finest on the road.
MAHATMA has received a set of handsome lithographs illustrating
the various illusions of Chevalier Thorn. The Chevalier expresses
his pleasure in receiving a copy of this paper and tenders his congratulations. Chevalier Thorn gave 42 performances in Buda Pesth and
will start with his own car containing 84 trunks and 26 illusions to
open at Trieste, for 1 month, then proceeds to Milan and Constantinople, where he will undoubtedly meet with his merited and usual
success.
Dr. A. Merlin and wife, Margaret Hayden, of Chicago, closed a
season of 37 weeks at the London Museum, May 15th. Mr. and Mrs.
Merlin originally planned to close their season the last week of May.
But two unforseen events transpired, either one of which would have
made it impossible for them to have remained longer. The license
for the museum was revoked, which necessitated the closing of the
house, and on the same date Mrs. Merlin received an urgent telegram
to attend the dying bedside of her mother, and was fortunate enough
to reach home a few hours before her mother expired. Dr. Merlin
and wife opened their season at the London, Sept. 3d, 1894, and remained until May 14th, 1S95, where they presented their matchless
act of second sight ten times daily, and during the season gave 2,550
exhibitions of second sight, which can be placed on record as the
longest run ever given to a specialty act in the United States or elsewhere. The season of 1892 at the same house they gave their act 2,530
times, they also gave their performance at Austin's Nickelodean, Boston, Mass., where they were located for three years, and gave 7,879
shows makes a total of 12,957 times. The Doctor is now taking a
well earned rest at his summer seat at Old Orchard, Maine.

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flDabatma.
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/IDabatma.

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SEASONS OF '96, '97, '98.

Nov. ist, 1893.

SOMK OF THF. MANY ORIGINAL CREATIONS

PRESF.NTED BY " P O W H I . L "

Prestidigitateur POWELL appeared here

for the first time last night, at the Grand

Opera House, and proved an estimable
rival of other noted illusionists known in
Philadelphia. His illusion " S h e "is the
best ever seen here.Thil. Tress.
I'owi LL'S fame as an illusionist had preceded him for
when he stepped on the stage last night at the Grand
Opera House, he was welcomed with a hearty burst ot
applause. From that on until the end of the program
he held the large audience spellbound. His tricks all
of a novel and startling character followed each other
in quick succession. The most wonderful feature being
his feats termed a series of Psychological experiments.
Philadelphia Recorder.
A novelty at the big Upton Grand Opera House, was

Suggested by the cave scene in Kider Haggard's novel

' S H E . " f t n a t name, and presented for the first time at 'El
teatro liaralt, Maracaibo, Venzuela, S. A. A beautiful
woman apparently burned to ashes in full view of the audience.
'AFTER THE FLOOT) OR THE ARK OF NOAH.
Founded on the biblical legend of Noah and the Ark, in which a
coterie of wild and domestic animals are used, culminating with the
production of a beautiful woman, dressed as a sea nymph.
RATJID TRANSIT
OR SUBSTITUTION.
POWRI-L'S latest version of the great Hindoo mystery.
THE CABINET
OF PH,AC^TA^MS
OR THE VAG- 4<X1ES
OF WO^DERO^
SPIRITU-4I.ISM
A novel Cabinet Seance ending outside the lines of such productions.
tM>_AHATM'_4wS MIRACLES.
The materialization of life, and shadows from the Spirit world.
METAMOR'PHOSIS.
The substitution 01 a beautiful American girl for a live Indian.
THE MISSING "BRf-TJE.An entirely new illusion.
ICA^IAN, O'7< FeR,OM THE EARTH TO THE SUN.
First produced by Powell at the Queen's Theatre, Montreal, Canada. Sept. 22d, 1893.
The Hindoo Ladder Mystery, Crystal Casket of Mahomet, A
Tribute of Flora, The Cave of the Orient, The Light of Asia, La
Seance de Suggestion, etc., etc.
POWF.I.L'S Latest for the coming season:
THE -ASTRAL TiODY.
An entirely new and original production, embracing new principles
never betore utilized in illusions.

the appearance of POWELL, an exceedingly clever sleight-

of-hand performer. Among the series of interestingly

devised illusions was the disappearance of a young lady
from the stage without apparent motion and by means
that completely mystified the audience.Phil. T{ecord.
The Grand Opera House last night was filled with a
large and much mystified audience. The occasion being
the appearance of POWELL, a master of the art of jug-

glery. So skillfully were his various manipulations executed that the impossible appeared real.Phil. Times.
PROFESSOR POWELL is certainly wonderful in his feats

'POWELL,
Ulaotrr of I

of magic. His entertainrhent last evening was in the

nature of a revelation. He stands peculiarly alone in
the particular line which he has chosen, and presents
some of the most startling manifestations possible to
human ingenuity.Philadelphia Hem.

Address all communications to

v

, ,

B . A . M Y E R S , Manager.

New \ o r k Office:

NO. 5 1 WEST 28TH STREET.

iltt0t(.

R o o m s 8 , <>. TO, 1 1 a n d 12.

F>CTURE

M A R T I N K A & CO., T

AND IMPOpFjS OF

/TNE ATAGICAI; APPARATUS,

493 SIXTH AVENUE, NEW YORK.
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AND

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APPARATUS

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apparatus of every kino maoc to oroer.

Our complete fully illustrated Book Catalogue with 500 engravings and description of every Trick and Novelty
up to date, will be sent on receipt of 1 5 c . Illustrated Catalogue of Parlor Tricks free on application.

IMPORTANT TO MAGICIANS.
Since the issue of the new tariff we have reduced the price of extra fine Figured Felt, imported specially for
Magicians1 table coverings, from 4 O cents to 2 5 cents per square foot. Send 2 cent stamp for Samples.

NFW
Puzzles
1 i-. .1

Old

ADDITIONS.
a n d

ETe-OT.-Xew bookbv

.i- 11..I1 iti : ,i,: luMMtifullv 1,,,,,,nl a m i f u l l y i l l u s t r a t e d , :W4 p a g e s , 1."50,

D e m o n
H a n d . - A perfectly modeled hand is shown
ami placed with the linger ti]*, .111 top of a pack of cards contained in a
transparent goblet. At ommaiul the hand picks out any chosen car
troni the pack while the performer is amongst the audience, SG.OO.
Detachable Magician's Pocket.Useful for getting rid and producing articles like handkerchiefs, eggs, bowls, etc. Can he taken
D " , i u " ' I J u t o n '"Stiintly, S1.50.
Palming Apparatus for Billiard
Balls. Eggs, etc. With the help of this apparatus any one can
perlorui the leat of iialming round articles with ease, 50 cts,

493 SIXTH

AYAi^VJLA'V-UAAl AU

IIAMLEY'S GRAND MAGICAL SALOONS,

22Q, HIGH HOLBORN, LONDON, W.C.

TMF ONIY PAIM-H IN THE UNITED STATES DEVOTED TO THE INTKHHSIS OH M A G I C I A N S ,

VOL.

I. No. V.

NEW YORK, JULY, 1895.

SI'l R I T U A L I S T S , M E S M K R I S T S , E T C .

SINGLE COPY,

10 CENTS.

Mr. W. I). LeRoy, Boston's well known illusionist, was

born August sth, i&->2, at LaSalle, Illinois; at the age of Q he
moved to Chicago, studying music, and at sixteen he visited
Virginia City, Nevada, playing violin, three years later going
into California, making San Francisco his headquarters, teaching and playing violin, and studying and practicing magic,

in this country, and being a natural born magician he is in

every way fitted tor his chosen profession. There is no
branch of professional business that requires closer study than
legerdemain. There must be a natural aptitude for the art, it
must be born in a man, and he must be alert both in body and
mind, cool and calculating to the movement of a muscle un-

W. ID.
making his first appearance at the Fountain theatre. In 1887
he visited Boston, locating there, being on the road =,0 weeks
(two seasons) with Schaffer's Swiss Bell Ringers. From
filling engagements he started to manufacture, opening one
of the largest stores devoted to the sale of magical apparatus

ROY.
der all circumstances, and a close student of human natun..
To these qualifications he must add the rather incongruous
quality of a mind turning on contradictions, with a scientific
cause he must produce a seemingly opposite effect to that
warranted by order and system. There is no life requiring

/Ibabatma.
A NEW STAR.
ISSUED THE ist OF EACH MONTH.

HAMLEY'S MAGICAL SALOONS,

229, HIGH HOLBORN,
LONDON, W.C.
RATES OF ADVERTISEMENTS.Twenty cents per line, nonpareil type measure; space ol
one inch $2.40 each insertion. A deduction of 20 per cent, is allowed on advertisements when
paid for three months in advance, and on advertisements measuring 50 lines or more.
For Sale or F.xchange column, 15 cents a line. Copyrighted March, 1895.
Remittances should be made by cheque, post office or express money order, or registered
etter.
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.

A new magician will be on the road next season with a

show that means a new departure in the magic business.
Frederick Bancroft, a magician who has had nineteen years
experience as an amateur, is putting on a magnificent "Spectacular Production of Magic," which is replete with new
ideas, and marks a new era in the development of magic
as an art.
Bancroft has plenty of capital to carry out his decidedly
extravagant ideas, and his marvellous skill and fascinating
powers of entertainment will be supported by the finest
scenery and most beautiful spectacular effects that money

FROM OUR BOSTON CORRESPONDENT.

"With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer, far-reaching visions of the
past. This is what I undertake to do for you, reader." With this
drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will describe the mystical events
transpiring hereabouts.
The Baldwins, "White Mahatmas," opened here June 3d, at Bowdoin Square Theatre, closing the 17th. Full houses were the rule
throughout the engagement, and the interest aroused by their work
continued to the end. With the development of telepathy, a new force
has been discovered that investigates the minds of the suspected, and
by the theory of thought transmission results are obtained that in
many cases bring offenders to justice and benefit the law abiding
community. The example of this strange force is illustrated in the
somnomancy or clairvoyant trance-visions of Mrs. Baldwin. But it
must not be imagined that she deals entirely in the sensational and
gruesome, for in her mental research she answers thoughts that have
never left the minds of her auditors, and then correctly repeats the
questions. Prof. Baldwin introduces a series of funny manifestations
of mediums and theosophic adepts. His long residence in the Orient
enabled him to investigate every phase of the wonder-workings of
the Mahatmas. Mr. Baldwin is by birth an American, and has presented the cleverest clairvoyant act ever seen in Boston. Mrs. Baldwin is certainly a star.
Drawee, juggler, appeared at Keith's new theatre week of June 17.
Dudley Prescott, ventriloquist, is enjoying a successful vacation
tour through the valley towns of the Connecticut river in N. H. and Vt.
Mardo, the juggler, was one of the attractions at the Floating Palace, at Marine Park, South Boston, week of June 17th.
Kreiger, Russian conjurer, closed a four weeks' engagement at
Austin & Stone's museum, June 15th.
Prof. Max Berol intends playing the summer resorts with Miss Belmonte's new act,in which she outbishops Bishop, doing all of his and
other mind readers feats^without contact.
We received a call from Scheidler, June 5th, who is in the side
show of Washburn's circus.
W. H. Mercer, is with the Kickapoo Medicine Co. He contemplates
going to the West Indies in September.
R. H. Mohr, ventriloquist, appeared at Keith's week of June 10th.
Kamochi, lady magician, was at Palace theatre, week of June 10th.
LeRoy the magician, appears for the city of Boston, July 4th, his
sixth annual engagement.
Kiirara, Japanese magician, was here weeks of June 10th and 17th,
with the side show of Buffalo Bill's wild west.
Fulgora, mechanical mystifier.was at Keith's, week of June 24th.
John Till's Marionettes were at Floating Palace, week of June 24th.
Mr. John Lodge, the clever young amateur magician, leaves July
3d for a three months' pleasure trip abroad. We have had the pleasure of outfitting Mr. Lodge with all the latest novelties up to date.
W. J. Andrews, formerly with Zanzic, and later with Powell, was
here with Baldwin's Butterfly Co. He sailed for London, June 17th.
He is a pleasant gentleman, and well versed in the "mystic lore."
Every magician around Boston of any note, is engaged for July
4th for children's entertainments.
'

W.

D.

LEROY.

can buy, and he will be assisted by a large company of talented specialty artists, including many beautiful women.
Everything pertaining to the entertainment is new and original and on the same scale of costliness and artistic excellence. Most of the arrangements have already been completed.
Mr. Bancroft's manager is Clarence Fleming, well known
for many years as the manager of high class attractions in
this country and Europe. Mr. Bancroft's bookings are now
being completed. He will play only in the best theatres and
most of the contracts already closed are for week engagements in the larger cities.
W. D. LF. ROY.Continual.

such a series of opposite qualities as the magicians. Truly

it is a profession teeming with possibilities, surrounded by
mystery and defying the laws of nature. A master of the
art must be an originator and should be constantly inventing
new tricks. It is often said that but little existed, absolutely
new, yet this is a paradox, for their is much that is new in
the mystic art, and Mr. LeRoy is always in the foremost rank
with the latest ideas.

ZlBabatma.
CHICAGO NEWS.

CHAPEAUGRAPHY.THE SALVATIONIST.

This is not a hard figure to make. An easier way however is to simply double the hat, running a ribbon inside of
the fold. Tie the ribbon under the chin, pull down the bangs
and there you are.
THE ACTORS' PROTF.CTIVR UNION No. 1,01 N. Y.
Actors' Protective Union No. i of N. Y., under its present
able management, is exceeding all expectations, that the executive officers are exerting every effort to make this Union
a success is plainly shown by their establishing a branch
office under the able supervision of Harry Thompson, who
will follow the lead of that excellent officer Secretary Joe.
M. Lawrence, who is so well qualified to handle the business
of the Union which has gained so rapidly and is commanding the attention in the theatrical world that it deserves. The
Union is gaining among its ranks the best talent in the country and performers generally are recognizing the benefits that
are derived from belonging to this body of ladies and gentlemen, who now help each other, and the pleasure of knowing that they are doing good to the profession and to their
neighbors is ample recompense for their trouble. It is to be
hoped that the present staff of officers will retain their present positions, for their executive ability is unquestioned,
and far greater success awaits this body under its present President, John McCarthy, and his able assistants. The Union
is now making a strong bid for furnishing talent for the firstclass clubs, etc., in this city, and are meeting with well deserved success. Having a variety to pick from that cannot
be surpassed in New York city, and being able to fill any
demand upon an hour's notice.

Notwithstanding the warm weather and dull season, things

in the magic line in the Garden city have been rather brisk
during the last month. The different dealers are more or
less busy. Many performers have exhibited in the various
theatres and museums, while others are laying off and getting new turns ready for next season. Several prominent
amateurs are also hard at work arranging a suitable collection for private circles for next fall and winter.
Prof. Ganellean arrived here from St. Louis where he filled
a successful engagement at Terrace Park. Mr. Ganellean is
booked at Kohl & Middleton's Globe and Clark street Museums for the latter part of June and first part of July, and is
making a hit with a new hat production.
A number of prominent magicians and several dealers are
going on a fishing trip July 6th. and are sure to have a good
time and plenty of fun.
King, the Boston telepathist and mind reader, is in Chicago,
and is busy performing before the various lodges, clubs, etc.
Prof. Peregalls, the Italian magician, who but recently
came from Europe, is performing in the various smaller halls,
etc., of this city.
Prof. Ernest the Danish magician, Prof. Max Basel and
others are getting ready their outfits and contemplate going
on the road again.
Hylo & Bylo in their magical comedy act, opened at the
Buff Theatre. June 10th.
Dr. A. M. Wilson, professionally known as Aristia, of Kansas City, Mo., has just returned from an Eastern trip. Dr.
Wilson is a successful and popular entertainer, and reports
a very profitable season.
Travelle, the juggler and fantaisist, after playing the Casino,
and then in Duluth, Minn., was forced to return to Chicago
on account of illness. He left for New York city June .23d.
Hornmann, the up to date magician, closed a two weeks'
engagement at Kohl & Middleton's local houses.
Prof. S. P. Bowman is with Coopers's circus at Nashville,
Tenn.
In the June number of MAHATMA mention was made of Mr.
Wm. N. Selig's return to Chicago after an absence of S4
years. This was a typographical error, and ought to have
read '-, years.
Mons. Bernier, the French illusionist, is now touring Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Barnello, the original fire king, left for Detroit, June 23d,
to fill a week's engagement at Moore's Musee.
Herbert Albino played the very popular and successful
Hopkin's Theatre, week of June 16th. His act is the same
as ever, consisting of the egg bag trick as a feature, and some
minor card tricks.
The Addys' will be ready to take the road again in the neai
future. Their new act will embrace principally spiritualistic
effects, illusions, and a few select tricks. They will travel
under a new name.
Lewis, the wizard, performed at Billers Pavilion for 3
weeks, and made a pronounced hit. Lewis has a large collection of tricks and changes his program frequently.
CLEVELAND NEWS.

SHADOWGRAPHY.THE TIGHT ROPE WALKER.

Victorellis, shadowgraphist, was at the Lyceum week of June 10.

Prof. Abt made quite a hit with his dissolving views, week 17-22.
He has been re-engaged for several weeks.
Pettibone, the materializing medium is in this city, giving some
excellent "seances" which havs been well attended. He is a great
favorite here among spiritualists.
Maurice Raymond, the necromancer, is preparing an entirely new
juggling act for next season, and in conjunction with Markland. illusionist, will play dates through the East.
Melbourne, manipulator, leaves July 2d for Chicago.

/iDabatma.
The Spiritualists are preparing for their annual encampment at
Lake Brady.
Lalla Rookh opened at the Madison Avenue Amphitheatre, June
2?th, to a large house.
Barnum & Bailey's circus shows here July ist.
Awful hot here, good chance for the conjurers to do the " ice trick."
MAI KICK RAYMOND.

OUR

Bl-.RUN l.h I I 1 R.

The past winter season has been an exceptionally good one owing
to the appearance of the L'home Masque, whose performances have
been greatly appreciated by the public and endorsed by the press.
The professor is a brilliant entertainer something in the style of the
late Robert Heller.
Prof. Ilartz, the well known American magician, has performed
during May and April at the Wintergarden, and was very successful
in the production of his great specialty, the inexhaustible hat trick.
At the present time Professor Hartz is running his own show in
Kopenhagen.
Professor Hepner, the London magician, was engaged to exhibit
his illusion Vanity Fair, at the Wintergarden, but owing to the inadequacy of the stage, his performance had to be discontinued.
The Bungalow, an illusion, invented by Mr. M. Hermann, lias been
exhibited successfully at the Apollo Hall.
Professor Chambly is producing for the last two months at Castan
Panopticun, the illusions i )h, and Vanity Fair.

MAHATMA can be purchased in London only at Hanilev\ 220 High

Holborn, who is now our sole agent in London.
John J. Whalen is authorized to act as a representative of MAHATMA.
Professor Herrmann is spending his vacation in Whitestone, at his
beautiful country seat Herrmann Manor, Mme. Herrmann has just
returned from a visit to Europe on the St. Louis, and was met a t
quarantine by Herrmann's splendid steam yacht Fra Diavolo
Professor Kellar is resting at Yonkers where he is erecting a magnificent mansion on an extensive plot of ground recently purchased.
From the mansion an extensive view of the Hudson river can be seen.
Another building will also be erected that will be fitted tip with a
stage where the Professor will experiment with his new illusions, so
as to bring them to perfection.
Mr. Claude, Kellar's clever assistant, is now in England.
Prof. Hewes, the well known originator, produced for the first time
his new levitation, although the audience is but ten feet from the act,
it is impossible to detect the modus optiJtidi. All of the magicians of
this city visited Worth's Museum and Family Theatre, where the
Professor is manager, and they pronounce it the most perfect reproduction of the Indian Yogi's experiment of levitation that they have
ever seen. The genial and hospitable gentleman, Mr. Worth, who
is known the world over for his graciousness, still continues to introduce the very best talent and curiosities that can be secured. Mr.
Worth has an enviable reputation in this city where his sterling
worth is appreciated. May he still continue to lead in his chosen line
Mr. Montanelli the noted magician of Mexico, is now at Foluca,
Mexico, and reports business exceptionally good at this time of the
year.
Robinson 'the man of mystery" is playing summer resorts and
meeting with success.
Imro Fox is rusticating in the Catskills.
Ransom, the magician, will go with the Tyrolean Troubadors this
coming season under the management of D. W. Robertson.
"Powell the Great" is at his summer home Chester, Pa,, preparing some illusions and a programme that will prove the strongest

on tlie road this coming season. The Professor is a master of his art
and has no superior.
An impromptu entertainment was given by Stevenson, the
Brooklyn magician, assisted by his young daughter, 7 years of age,
in the magical enip iriuin of Martinka & Co., Saturday. June 22d,
where a first-class stage and all modern appliances have been introduced. A large audience was present who thoroughly enjoyed the
entertainment.
Prof. W. J. Ritenoui", the clever magician, writes from Strasburg, \"a., that business is good.
\V. F. Hard, the Bridgeport magician, has been engaged by Wm.
A. Palmer for n tour of the summer hotels.
The faces on chapeaugraphy in this paper are from the book
published by Harnley, London ; that it has been so widely copied is due
to the excellence of the work.
Mephisto (Frank " Snyder) magician and fire demon is resting
at his home in MahoneyCity, Pa. He is making preparations to play
small towns and clubs this coming season.
Rafael Montano, the noted magician of Mexico, will contribute
to the columns of this paper everything of interest to the magician
that happens in Mexico.
Henri Cazinan is in London, this noted artist with a strong company will tour this country this coming season. It is claimed his
company will be one of the strongest on the road.
The manager of "Enirel" the South American wizard, is at
present in New York, where he has ordered several new illusions
which were built for him at the magical manufactory of Martinka &
Co., and will be the principal feature of his tour through the South
American Republics.
Prof. Wood is on his return from Brazil where he met with good
business.
Prof. Chas. Prada is in Havana, preparing for a tour in the
interior of Cuba.
Horace Golden, is engaged for the season at a seaside resort.
The mystery surrounding the L'home Masque is still unlifted,
and'the success of this clever magician is on the increase. The professor is taking lessons in the English language with the object in
view of visiting England ami the Tinted States, and an extended
tour around the world.
De Carno, the ju t gler, is working at the Grand Central Opera
House week of July I-I>.
"Jewett" the Hartford magician, was in Xew York,June 30th. it
is rumored that he will have an entire new outfit this coming season
that will surpass anything hitherto seen.
Prof. Welch, of this city, is very clever, and an artist in palming.

THH CANDLH TRICK.

The following is the candle trick as performed by Frederick H. Powell, the celebrated magician, at the hden Musee,
this city.
The performer places a piece of card board about double
the size of a playing card and which he bends in half in a V
shape, alter making a hole in the center of the card he places
the candle in it. He now produces a small handkerchief and
passes it inside of the candle.
The explanation is as follows
To make the handkerchief disappear he uses the vanisher
described in the May issue of MAHATMA. In the back of the
match box, the box being open, is concealed the handkerchief, and after lighting the candle the performer in closing
the match box pushes the handkerchief out of the box into
his hand. He then picks the candle up and places it in his
left hand with the handkerchief, breaks the candle open and
pulls out the handkerchief. The candle is a genuine one,
and when the performer breaks it, he merely pulls the handkerchief out of his hand, where he has palmed it

ZlDabatma.
THE DISAPPEARING LADY.
THE accompanying figures illustrate a trick in which the
prestidigitator, after placing a chair upon an open newspaper and seating a lady thereon, covers her closely with a
silk veil, and after the words "one," "two," " three," lifts
the veil and shows that the lady has disappeared.
The newspaper is provided with a trap, which is con-

FIG.

although she has disappeared. In fact, the veil, on account

of the wire frame, seems always to outline the contours of
the vanished subject.

1.

cealed by the printed characters (Fig. i). This trap is of

the same size as the one that must exist in the floor upon
which one operates. As tor the chair, that is generally an
old affair, without any cross rod in front (Fig. 2). It is provided with a movable seat that lowers in order to allow the
lady to pass between the two front legs. It is provided,
besides, with a frame of wire which is invisible on account
of the feeble diameter of the latter, and which, attached to
the back, is turned backward on the side opposite the
spectator. As soon as the lady who is to be made to disappear is seated (Fig. 3), she causes the frame to tilt and

3.

Alter the operator has said "one, " "two." "three," he

lifts the veil and causes the wire frame to fall back.
Magasit: Pittoresque.

W
w * *It/ I 1IM Ik
.Fie. 4.1

PIG. 2.
cover her head and shoulders. This operation is hidden by
the veil that the prestidigitator spreads out at this moment
in front of the lady.
At this instant the operator actuates a spring, which opens
the trap in the floor. The lady passes between the legs of
the chair (Fig. 4), and then through the two traps, the one
in the paper and the one in the floor. As soon as she
reaches the floor beneath the stage she closes the trap in the
newspaper with gummed paper, and shuts the one in the
floor, and it might be thought that she was still on the stage,

" Jewett " the Hartford magician will again introduce this coming season an excellent bill, producing many new and original
features that has made him the up-to-date magician that he is.
MAHATMA is in receipt of so many letters that it is impossible to
answer them all. Any subscriber not receiving his paper, by sending a notification to this office another one will be sent to him. MAHATMA is laboring under the impression that all mail carriers are
magicians, so many papers do not seem to reach their destination.
Mr. Dale Armstrong, formerly manager of Paoli Museum, Bridgeport, Conn., is performing his ventriloquism act with the Livurra
Medicine Co., giving open air performances in the city of Maine for
the summer months.
Prof. Wm. F. Freier, the magician of Dayton, Ohio, has opened
his Pavilion at Lakeview Park, May ioth, and is meeting with his
merited and usual success, drawing large and refined audiences.

/Esabatma.
WRINKLES ON MAGIC.
" Wrinkles," that is the most
fitting name I can give the following article, as it will only
contain wrinkles, tips or advice
on all things in general pertaining to a performance of magic.
First thing 1 would advise is to
get away from the old style of
everything black, except perchance the full evening dress
i suit, this of course is to a certain
extent a recognized style of
dressing befitting the occasion
that you can hardly change for a better one. Have your
tables and surroundings in gold, silver and white; the delicate tints of pale blue, pink, etc., and lined or decorated in
corresponding light colors. Do away entirely with black, it
looks to sombre and dull looking.
Don't use a black wand, it don't show one third of the
time against your black clothing, a white one is far more
preferable ; a white celluloid baton such as used by band
leaders is a fine article. Whether in a private or public
performance, have this one idea before you. Brightness in
costume, scenery, apparatus, etc., have it so when the curtain rises the stage presents a brilliant light etherial effect,
instead of a dull one. Don't bore your audience with a
lengthy opening speech, make it short, pointed and effective,
and don't try to impress them with the idea that you are
superior to them, being able to perform seeming impossibilities, rather let them think you are the same flesh and blood as
they, simply an ordinary mortal who has selected the art of
magic as a calling or livelihood, just the same as they have
chosen to be a doctor, lawyer, etc., and let your programme
be short and well done, leaving the audience hungry for
more, instead of long and perhaps poorly done, and the public disgusted with magic. Many try to show how much
they can do, and how large an assortment of tricks they can
collect, instead of getting one programme, perhaps a dozen
tricks, and practicing them until each trick is thoroughly
mastered. A short act of magic well done is far better than
a long programme poorly done. Never make a trick appear
easy of execution to the audience, get all you can out of a
trick. For instance, a person is asked to take out a card,
really one forced, instead of having it replaced in the pack,
and then telling name of card drawn, proceed as follows:
ask a person to look long and intently at the card, holding
the same in left hand, telling them for some mysterious reason, the left hand has a sympathetic connection with the
heart and brain, which in turn affects the eye, as he looks at
the card, and it produces a photographic reproduction on the
eve of the card he is gazing at. The person now places the
card in the pack and shuffles the same, and is asked to hold
the pack in left hand, the performer now places his left hand
on the pack and grasping the person by the right wrist, looks
into the eye of the person, and asks them to think vividly of
the card he drew. Suppose the card drawn was the eight
of diamonds, the performer counts slowly the beat of the
pulse until eight is reached, and then says your pulse is beating violently, I must not count any more, it must have been
an eight spot on the card. Your eye looks bright and snappy
and tull ot fire, it must have been a red card, if your eyes
were dull looking, it would have denoted a black card. I
see also the shape or semblance of a square or diamond, it
must have been the eight of diamonds you thought of.
A trick I often watched and always thought a pretty one
is the serial treasury, or catching money in the air. This
trick can be improved by using larger coins when upon the
stage, half dollars are all right when used in a parlor, but are
not large enough for the stage, use dollars or large coins that

can be seen from a distance. It is a good idea in producing

this trick to combine both the sleight of hand and mechanical methods; not to use only one method, use more than one
way of producing the coins, all methods are good, but should
not be abused, and made to do all the work, use every little
idea that suggests itself to produce a coin by a different
method, produce a few coins with the mechanical wand, also
a candle on the same principle, on point of pack of cards, a
fan, same idea, also a few coins covered with black cloth
and attached here and there, by wax or fine hooks on your
clothing, on borrowed hat, etc., cloth removed, coins produced. Learn to palm five or six coins and produce them
one at a time." Don't pass to many coins apparently through
the crown of the hat, as the movement repeated, often gives
the idea that the coin is palmed in the right hand. Instead
of throwing it through the hat, apparently push it through,
the coin going behind the finger tips, as the one in left hand
is dropped in hat. Palm two coins, produce one and throw
it in the air, catch it in the hat, and as it strikes the bottom
inside, produce the palmed coin from bottom of hat outside,
the second coin palmed, it looks as though the coin came
through the hat. I could write of innumerable wrinkles on
this one trick. The magician must remember that the hand
is not quicker than the eye, notwithstanding all assertions to
the contrary. It is not the quickness of the hand that deceives the eye, for no matter how quick a movement is made
the eye can follow it; but the neatness and perfection with
which a pass or palm is made, accompanied by that one main
point so often forgotten, the magician's eye should always
look in the direction the article is supposed to be, and convince the audience by look and gesture of its being where it
is supposed to be placed, or in other words he must apparently believe it himself, to carry conviction with it, and be as
much surprised at the results apparently, as the audience.
Whatever you appear to do should be the exact counterpart of what it would be if it were really done. Thus appear
to place a coin in the left hand, really palming it in the right,
and watch the movement of both hands in doing so. Now
really place coin in the left, from the right, and you will find
out your two movements are entirely different. You will
find that the coin or article is palmed in the right hand long
betore it reaches the left hand, so to a close observer the
right hand is seen to reach the left hand empty. The article
should not be palmed until the right hand is actually placing
article in the left hand, and then as the fingers of left hand
curl up to grasp article or shut the hand, it masks the movement of the fingers of the right hand lifting article to the palm
of the same hand. An article is also very often vanished before the spectators have actually had a chance to see where
it was originally or what was done with it. Don't be in a
hurry, make haste slowly, and make up your mind never to
present a trick unless you have it to perfection. In preparing your programme for a tour on the road, make up your
mind just exactly what you want, and do not carry more
than you will need.
If you go on the stage feeling downhearted and gloomy,
don't expect your audience to be otherwise.
Fame and fortune cannot be made in a season, it takes
years of hard struggling and determination to get there, and
it is accomplished gradually, not suddenly. It has taken a
prominent performer now before the public is years to gain
his present successful foothold. Secure a method and style
of your own, adopt a name that is not similar to any other
person, so as to avoid all suspicion of trading on another
man's success.
Be ready at all times to go and witness another magician's
performance, you may get points and ideas from the lowest.
Don't ridicule or cry down the efforts of other performers.
A parting advice would be to not purchase only the very best
apparatus that can be procured, cheap apparatus is useless.
ROBINSON, the Man of Mystery.

/iDabatma.
HYPNOTISM.
Hypnotism is an invisible force
or power that every person possesses, and but few know how
to handle and exert. It is literally animal magnetic influence.
Hypnosis is defined by two
states. The first is the unconscious state in which the subject
is entirely oblivious of what
transpires, and on being awakened could not tell what has
^transpired. The second one is
the conscious state, in which the
subject is perfectly conscious of all that takes place. Their
eyes are open, they hear, see, and feel, but are unable to
withstand the suggestions made by the hypnotizer. In the
first mentioned state the subject may be placed in a cataleptic state, every muscle strained and stiffened, and even stops
the circulation of the blood in certain parts of the body, so
that a surgical operation might be performed, a limb amputated without drawing blood or without any pain on the
part of the subject. Such experiments are now being performed every day in our large medical institutes and hospitals. Schools of Hypnotism are now founded in Paris, London, Vienna, Berlin, and the city of New York. Our prominent physicians are now giving all their attention to the
study and practice of Hypnotic influence, for they find it is
invaluable to them, as they can cure many nervous complaints by suggestion which could not be cured by medicines.
However perfect a Hypnotizer one may be it is utterly impossible to control any one against their will. No one can
receive the influence of Hypnosis unless they are perfectly
willing and place themselves in a passive state and obey
every wish of the Hypnotizer. This is a fact that many
impostors who call themselves Hypnotists will readily refute.
When I meet a man or woman who says: "I can hypnotize
ten out of twenty, or fifty out of one hundred persons that
might come to me." I at once know that they are frauds
and that they know nothing about hypnotism. Hypnotism
is one of our greatest sciences, and requires knowledge and
practice to be successfully handled.
In my experiments before a number of prominent physicians in this city, during the week of May 20th, I demonstrated conclusively that the hypnotizer could control every muscle and nerve, and in addition could wield the mind of his
subject as he willed it, also that the entire circulation could
be controlled. I placed my subjecta young lady, in a cataleptic trance (the unconscious state) and immediately stopped the circulation, she ceased to breathe, her heart stopped
beating, and for fully ten minutes remained as if dead. This
proved a very interesting experiment for the physicians, but
the most startling one was when I controlled the pulsation
so completely that one doctor who held her right wrist declared that the pulsation raised to 149 to the minute, while
another doctor who held the left wrist said that the pulse
went down to only 31. Hypnotism like everything else is
sometimes handled by what we would term "fakers," men
who only profess to know, but in reality know nothing. To
be successful one must study and practice, then the strangest
results may be obtained.
F. D. HEWES.

FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT.

Business in England has shown improvement since my last letter,
and as usual, '' the world of amusement " has been considerably benefitted thereby. With the exception of a few "fossils" who have failed to
keep up with the times and still make such antiquated tricks as the
fish bowls the leading features of their entertainments, and magic-

ians, in fact entertainers generally, have had a good season since

Christmas. The London season is now in full swing and those who
do "society work" will be kept busy till August when there will be a
stampede to seaside resorts. The newest illusion here is at the
Egyptian Hall and is the invention of David Devant, he calls it
" T h e Birth of Flora." Neither the idea nor the title are original,
for a conjurer in the smaller music halls worked an illusion bearing
the same name a few years ago. It was a poor imitation of DeKolta's
"Cocoon," in which a lady was made to appear in a basket of flowers. This is what Devant does, but the iiiudus operandi employed
by him is vastly different and superior; not difficult for an "old
professor" to see through but very bewildering to the uninitiated. Now
I am not going to give the trick away; I will describe it and let your
readers think it out for themselves.
A piece of silk, about a yard square, is examined by the audience
and is then attached to a bar suspended by two cords from the "flies,"
in the center of the stage, Mr. Devant standing upon a chair behind
the bar, while attaching the silk, with his head and shoulders above
it, which shows there are no glasses over head. The bar is then
raised towards the " flies" and an ordinary table is wheeled under it,
the silk just touching the top of the table. The silk is again lifted
and there is nothing behind it; but an instant afterwards a lady's
voice is heard singing; the silk is removed and upon the table is discovered a huge basket of flowers from which a lady emerges J hi the
"Cocoon," it is very effective. There are absolutely no glasses or
mirrors used ; the table is merely a stand quite devoid of tricking
and it would be impossible to connect it with the scene at the back
of the stage by a counter weighted bridge. Now, how is it done ?
The entire entertainment at the Egyptian Hall is bright, clever and
cheerful. A new but clever musical entertainer, Mr. R. A. Roberts,
gives a very acceptable turn. Mr. Maskelyne retains his sketch,
"Modern Witchery," in the programme. The illusion introduced
" The Miracle of Lh'asa " improves on a second visit. How the man
who is strapped to the board is suspended, is a puzzle to many.
Carl Hertz is under engagement to go to New York next fall, and
to South Africa the following spring. Servais LeRoy, exceptionally
clever at slight-of-hand, sailed for South Africa this week under 12
weeks engagement to Luscombe Searelle the well known entrepreneur.
I have just received from Mr. Sydney S. Pridenore, a well known
and clever "wizard of the drawing room" the most handsome circular I have ever seen, it is quarto in size, well printed on tinted
paper and teems with complimentary press notices and personal testimonials. I hope in my next to give you a description of an) entirely new illusion which is now being experimented upon by
|
HERCAT. J

The above picture is a good likeness of the well known

Imro Fox, the comic conjurer, who has created a place for
himself that none can imitate. The Professor is well known
the world over and is in constand demand. Mr. Fox is not
only an excellent performer but a shrewd business man as
well, which accounts for his continual success. Mr. Fox
will be a special feature with Donnelly & Girard, the rain
makers. Success to the genial and hospitable Professor.

/IDabatma.
DR. ALBERT MERLIN.
Thanks are due to Dr. Merlin for his kindness to MAHATMA, for furnishing his own original story of the haps and mishaps of the travelling magician
in the days gone by. Those who are acquainted with this enterprising gentleman will hail with delight this story coming from Dr. Merlin, who seems
to have many friends, and no enemies. Since Dr. Merlin has contributed to
this paper MAHATMA has been the recipient of many letters congratulating it
upon having Dr. Merlin as a correspondent, and it is one of the pleasures that
falls to the editor of this paper, that tile best people of the profession have
done all in their power to help it along. Many thanks to the Doctor for
past (avors, and there is no doubt but what the Doctor's story will be read
monthly with appreciation by many who have been through the same mill.
THE LAND OF HUMBUG.
A TALE OH OBSERVATION AND EXPERIENCES.
CHAPTER I.

BY DR. ALBERT MERLIN.

"Very well," I said, we will leave this here, placing it face downward
on the table, remarking that I felt quite confident that in two more trials I
could find the card.
" Is this the card?"
Again came the answer "No," and deeper grew the interest and excitement, for it began to be evident that 1 had at last made a failure.
Nothing daunted, however, I again lifted the top card off of the third
pack, again inquiring:
" Is this the card?"
A chorus of "No's" and derisive laughter greeted my last attempt.
I had apparently failed. The magician had been caught napping. I
was patronizingly greeted by the expression :
"You have done very well during the evening but you are off your base
on this last trick."
Appearing to be somewhat crestfallen, 1 inquired :
Am I to understand that none of the three cards now lying on the table is
the one the gentleman selected ?
For the fourth time came the emphatic assurance "No," the card selected
is not among them.
Gentlemen, I replied again, somewhat nettled by the sneering remarks
and loud guffaws of the man of national reputation, I never make mistakes, and
I feel confident, notwithstanding the assertions made that the card this gentleman drew from the pack is one of the three now on the table, and I feel
you are taking a mean advantage of me, as I am the only one of the party
who did not see the card.
Jumping to the fore, and in an exciting and blustering manner the man of
national and sporting reputation said :
' Young man as you feel so confident and seem to doubt the word of
gentlemen, perhaps you will make your boast good by covering this hundred
dollars which I am ready to bet ?"
Suiting the action to the word, he quickly handed the amount to the wine
clerk, remarking meanwhile, that the card he selected was not one of the
three now lying on the table, and if you have sufficient sand in your make
up, you will acknowledge your mistake, make good your assertion or offer
to us an apology."
Here was my chance of revenge for the cavalier manner in which I had
been treated when my trick was looked upon as a failure.
I immediately covered the amount, somewhat to the surprise of himself
and friends. I was not prepaied after my experience in life to take a bluff from
any one, least of all from this bulldozing gentlemen of national reputation.
If there was silence before, it was deathlike now.
Now gentlemen, I said, I shall trust to your honesty; what was the card
the gentleman selected from the pack ?
" The Q_ueen of Hearts," was the answer.
Very well, will you sir, pointing to the wine clerk, be kind enough to turn
over the three cards now lying on the table in such a manner that all may
distinctly see whether the Q_ueen of Hearts is not among them."
This he proceeded to do. Judge of the consternation when the Q_ueen of
Hearts was proven to be one of the three. Everybody laughed but the hilarity
was checked at sight of the pallor rapidly spreading over the face of the man
of national reputation. His friends stood by him, they did not dare to laugh
he was so enraged.
"Hold on," he cried, this is a catch. It certainly is I quickly replied, I
have caught your hundred dollars, at the same time accepting1 it from the
hands ot the wine clerk, also remarking: this is one of the many lessons we
have to pay for through life. Never doubt the ability of a man practicing
his own trade. Now, my friends, as this is my hour for retiring, we will
adjourn to the wine room for a nightcap, we have already had an eyeopener.
The closing sentence was greeted with roars of laughter, my antagonist
remarking while slapping me on the shoulder, that it was a good trick, and
he would be benefitted by the advice to never bet against a man's own game.
The following evening I performed before the guests of the Oceanic House,
to a large and appreciative audience, and the day after, said good-bye reluctantly to many friends.
1 had here associated with the best society, and I profited by it in many
ways, I was also three hundred dollars richer than when I had landed on .
the Island. My next destination was Centre Harbor on Lake Winnepesaukee.
A continuation of this article will be published next month.

"Ah Master, Master, there are more tricks in a town than are dreampt of.1'
T>on Quixote.
During the summer of 1S70 I presented a series of exhibitions in magic
at the seaside and mountain resorts of the New England States. The events
to be related in the following stories actually occurred, and are given to the
readers of MAHATMA, for what they are worth. An unvarnished tale, nothing
extenuated, naught set down in malice. As a history of my observations and
experiences during the summer of 1870, they may serve to entertain the
reader, or to warn the credulous against a too ready confidence in everything
they see or hear. If so, they serve my purpose. But to begin my first story
I would here state that in my 18th year I travelled about the Eastern summer
resorts, and gave entertainments in the principal hotels. It was about the
last of July that I landed at the Isles of Shoals, situated off Portmouth, N. H.
My first entertainment was at the Appledore House. Programme as follows:
Rising Cards, The Aerial Treasure, Magic Banker, The Unfortunate Handkerchief, Sun and Moon, Spirit Slate Writing, Table Tipping, The Sealed
Packet, The Growth of Flowers, The Wine and Water Miracle, The Crystal
Casket, Fifteen Minutes with the Spirits.
It was considered a good programme and every trick was well performed
and gave universal satisfaction. 1 had good audiences, indeed the night at
the Appledore the audience was very large. As both hotels of this delightful resort were fullevery room being taken, 1 was obliged to put up
with the only remaining accommodation the house afforded, that of a mattress on a billiard table.
After my performance had closed, and awaiting the closing of the billiard
hall that 1 might retire, a party of guests, among whom 1 noticed a gentleman
of national as well as of sporting reputation pass out of the wine room into
the billiard hall where 1 was quietly promenading. Seeing me one remarked:
" Here is the young gentleman who gave the performance this evening."
1 quickly became the center of attraction, many questions were asked and I
was finally prevailed upon to do some card tricks.
1 had no difficulty in easily deceiving them. Card trick after card trick
was performed and much interest was taken.
Being very tired, and the hour late, I endeavored to let every trick be my
last. Finally as a last resort I concluded to turn the laugh upon them by
doing a well known betting trick as practiced by card sharpers, but not in
my case with any intentions of winning money.
1 allowed the gentleman of national reputation whose money was only
exceeded in amount by the bad champagne he had imbibed, to select a
card from the pack which the wine clerk had just furnished fresh for this
trick. This selected card was to be shown to his friends of which some
twenty or more had gathered about. This being done I then invited him
to return the card to the pack by placing it in the center, which he did, I
then handed the pack to him to be shuffled by himself and friends; this
also was done.
After the cards were returned to me I remarked that it had been a long
time since 1 had attempted the trick and I might possibly make a mistake,
but would do my best. (This was the usual remark to come in at this
stage of the trick,) I also impressed the fact on their minds that as I had not
seen the card, I depended on their honesty to acknowledge it, when produced before their gaze.
Martinka & Co., the magical apparatus manufacturers, have had
1 then divided the pack in three piles, taking the top card of the first pile,
a stage erected in their factory. An entertainment is promised to
I said : '' Is this the card that was drawn from the pack ?"
the magical fraternity in the near future. The management of the
A chorus of ''No's " greeted my question.
entertainment will be under the direction of Antonio Martinka.

flDabatma.

* E "!e?er

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MAGIC, ILLUSIONS,

Song and Chorus by WILL LYLE.

The Biggest Hit of the Season.

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/BJabatma.

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TO P I E E ZZULl&OS.

I am now putting up a special Ss.oo FIRH KING OUTFIT. This outfit is the neatest and cheapest practical outfit ever put
on sale in this country. It contains everything necessary to perform all the leading "hire Tricks." It is suitable for Stage or
Drawing Room Entertainments. Hach outfit is put up in a handsome c.isket, including a complete book explaining 28 of the best
Fire Tricks, so that "ANY ONE" can perform them with very little practice. AJdrcs.s

E . -Ft /x Fnvr-ra-r.-r.-I
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WANTED OLD AND NEW BOOKS

CABINET OF

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These Cabinets comprise a complete set of properties used in
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tttaljatma.

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ILLUSIONS! ILLUSIONS! ILLUSIONS!

Several prominent magicians have commissioned us to offer the following popular Illusions and Apparatus for sale.
is an opportunity seldom met with to procure reliable illusions that have stood the test before the
public at a figure far below the actual value.
CASSADAGA PROPAGANDA,
SARATOGA

NOAM'S ARK,

TRUNK

MYSTERY,

OK,

FSYCWO,

This

ICARIAN,

OUT OF SIGHT,

C A N N O N , f shooting out a live lady, suitable for Circus.

T R E E O F T H E F A I R I E S as described in No. 4 nf M AHA i MA.
B U N G A L O W quite new and never performed in this country.
F L O W E R T A B L E London make.
T H E B I R T H O F F L O R A , t l l e Latest Sensation from the Egyptian Hall, London.
FINE FRENCH CENTRE TABLE, m a d e by Voisin, Paris.
Prices and particulars will be communicated on application to professionals only, on receipt of last pr,)gramra; or card.

St.
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-C" V T X A *T* T /"N l \ f

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^ I

" " a " ^production

A ^ . ^ J m of the most marvellous

!' the InJi.in Yt

e
HBSKTthe
Master Mind of Modern Magic^
York.

Produced for the first time June 3d, 18i)5. The talk of New
No Board. No Polos. No Hack Kest. No Nothing. Kntiivl.v New Metho<l.
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DEPOT FOR THEATRICAL HARDWARE AND SUPPLIES.

General Agent for Eastern and Middle States for J. R. CLANCY, of Syracuse, N. Y. Sole manufacturer EXCELSIOR
PROFILE. KEYSTONES and CORNERS. Estimate furnished for all Stage Supplies.

Actors' Protective Union No. 1, of America,

Entertainments, Clubs, Theatres, Roof Gardens,
I3XT
CALL-

JOE

THE

<)W W R I T E :

M. L A W R E N C E , Bxxa.iM.ess Manager,

105 East 14th Street, New York.

ZlDabatma.

12

ntoat
itoro
PLAYING ONLY THE LEADING FIRST CLASS THEATRES.
NOW

BOOKINC SEASONS OF '96, '97, '98.

SOME OF THE MANY ORIGINAL CREATIONS
PRESENTED BY " P O W E L L . "

In his opening entertainment last night

PKOF. POWELL sustained his claim to the

title of magician, and we ourselves add

grand master of the art of legerdemain.
Not only is he a master, but an originator as well, his program containing io
tricks never seen before in Montreal, while the old ones
were so transformed as to appear complete changes. His
illusions are a distinct departure from the old lines, and
make us wonder if the shade of the great Robert Houdin
is not again amongst us.-Montreal Ga;ette.
POWELL the magician made his first bow to a Montreal
audience at the Q_ueen's Theatre last evening, and may
justly be considered a rival to all others who have appeared here. He is cleaner in his manner, and his tricks
are done with greater smoothness than those of any
prestidigitateur who have previously been seen here.
On Thursday night will be presented a complete change
of progiam including (for the first time) POWELL'S Grecian sensation ' ' Icarian." -Montreal cDaily Star.
Right royally did magician POWELL entertain his large
audience at the Q_ueen's last night. Although we of
the ioth Century have unmasked many frauds and broken many traditional images, we may yet learn at the
Q_ueen's this week that we do not know everything.
However skeptical we may be, a visit to Mr. Powell
will compel the admission that the dexterity with which
he deceives the eye, ear, and other senses, is wonderful
and admirable.-Montreal Daily Herald.
La Minerva says Prof. Powell proved to be verv
clever in his deceptions.
Professoi Powell is the best we have seen./., MonJe.

Vl^1

POWELL,"
(Tljr Blaster of JHofcern

Suggested by the cave scene in Rider Haggard's novel

S H E . " of that name, and presented for the first time at 'El
leatro Bar.ilt, Maracaibo, Venzuela, S. A. A beautifu
woman apparently burned to ashes in full view of the audience.
AFTER THE FI.OOTD OR THE ARK OF NOAH.
Founded on the biblical legend of Noah and the Ark, in which a
coterie of wild and domestic animals are used, culminating with the
production of a beautiful woman, dressed as a sea nymph.
RA-P1D TRANSIT OR SUBSTITUTION.
POWELL'S latest version of the great Hindoo mystery.
THE CABINET OF PHAO^TA'^MS OR THE VAGARIES
OF mO^DERJ^ SPIRITUALISM
A novel Cabinet Seance ending outside the lines of such production;..
VA-AHA'TMA'S MIRACLES.
The materialization of life, and shadows from the Spirit world.
MhTAMOR'PHOSIS.
The substitution ot a beautiful American girl for a live Indian.
THE MISSING *~BRIeI>E.An entirely new illusion.
ICA-'KIAN, O ^ Fl^OW THE EARTH TO THE SUN.
First produced by Powell at the Q_ueen's Theatre, Montreal, Canada, Sept. 22d, [893.
The Hindoo Ladder Mystery, Crystal Casket of Mahomet A
Tribute of Flora, The Cave of the Orient, The Light of Asia, L.i
Seance de Suggestion, etc., etc.
POWELL'S Latest for the coming season:
THE ASTRAL -BODY.
An entirely new and original production, embracing new principles
never before utilized in illusions.
Address all communications to

B. A . M Y E R S , Manage,

New York Office

NO. 51 WEST 28TH STREET.

Rooms S, 9, io, 11 and

MARTINKA & CO.;,

:

AND IMPOFjTErjS OF

JM[AGK;AII APPARATUS,
493 SIXTH
LA K nfcf,ST

AND

MOST

AVENUE, NEW YORK.

COMPLETE
STOCK OK
IN THIS COUNTRY.

FINE

AF'l-'AWATUS

apparatus of every hinb mafcc to oroer.

Our complete fully illustrated Book Catalogue with 500 engravings and description of every Trick and Novelty '
up to date, will be sent on receipt of 1 5 c . Illustrated Catalogue of Parlor Tricks free on application.

IMPORTANT TO MAGICIANS.
Since the issue of the new tariff we have reduced the price of extra fine Figured Felt, imported specially for
Magicians' table coverings, from 4 O cents to 2 5 cents per square foot. Send 2 cent stamp for Samples.

NEW ADDITIONS.
O l d
IH.C3. 3NTO'\^7'.New book bv
Professor llnll'man: beautifully bound and fully illustrated, 894 pages,SI 50
D e m o n
H a n d . . - A perfectly modeled hand is shown
and placed with the linger tips on top of a pack of cards contained in
transparent goblet. At uommand tlie hand picks out any chosen card
from the pack while the performer is amongst the audience, $(>.00.>
Detachable Magician's Pocket. Useful for getting rid and producing articles like handkerchiefs, eggs, bowls, etc. Can betaken
off and put on instantly, si. 50.
Palming Apparatus for Billiard
Balls, Egg.s, etc. Wix.li the help of this apparatus any one can
perform the feat of palming round articles with ease, 50 cts.

PW

THF ONLY PAPFR IN IHK UNITFH STATKS utvoTH) TO THE INTERESTS OF MAGICIANS, SPIRITUALISTS, MESMERISTS, ETC.

NEW YORK, AUGUST, 1895.

DAVENPORT BROTHERS.
Ira Erastus Davenport and William Henry Davenport, who
years ago startled the world and puzzled the minds of
scientists and deep thinkers, were born in Buffalo, N. Y.
T'..e former Sept. 17th, 1839, and the latter Feb. 1st. 1841.
At about the age of 12 and 14 they first began their remarkable physical and psychical phenomena. They made a tour
of the world and in England, France and Germany, created
a profound sensation and put all the leading conjurers of that
time on their mettle to discover the method or secret of their
remarkable accomplishments. In justice to them it must be
candidly said, although they were extensively copied and
imitated, they were never approached in their deftness and
quickness of execution in their work. They proclaimed it
to be the work of spirits, and although Houdin, Robin, Anderson,
Herr Tolmaque, Redmond, Taylor,
Sutton, lawaka, the Indian rope
worker, and others, professed to be
able to detect and expose them, but
their explanations and exhibitions
were never satisfactory- Anderson
and Tolmaque openly challenged the
brothers and upon the challenge being quickly accepted, immediately
backed out and refused point blank
to meet the brothers. Anderson at
the time was showing at the St. James
Hall, London, Oct. 1864. The London press while giving credit to the
skill of Anderson, frankly declared that his pretended exposition of the Davenports was simply absurd.
Mr. Charles Kennedy under the signature of "Incredulous
Odi," in the Standard, has said he could not offer an exact
explanation of how the Davenport manifestations were done,
but had a shrewd conception of it, wrote after witnessing
Anderson's perfoimance that the original demonstrations of
the Davenports remained as inexplicable as ever. He also
says while Redmond's performance at Astley is clever it does
not unravel the skein of mystery surrounding the Davenports
exhibition.
Mr. Edwin Arnold as a correspondent of the Telegraph puts
the question between the Davenports and conjurers as fol-

SINGLE COPY, 10 CENTS

lows: It must be the remark of all good observers, that while

the performances are attributed by their critics to conjuring,
and challenged as conjuring by the conjurers themselves, no
spectator has yet offered any explanation of them except sarcasm, while professional conjurers like Tolmaque, Anderson
and others have produced nothing but a travesty of the
manifestations; for the imitations hitherto publicly described
omit just the most puzzling features of this odd American
exhibition. He then quotes from the iPneumatologie of the
Marquis de Mirville, addressed to the Academy of Pans, an
account of a visit of Houdin, at the end of which Houdin
made the following remarkable declaration to the Marquis:
"Monsieur, I am a conjurer, and, if there be a conjurer in
the whole world who can show such marvels, it would confound me a thousand times more, being one myself, than to
admit the mysterious agency you
have introduced me to. Fifteen
days afterwards, when the matter
had been been turned over again and
again in Houdin's mind, he wrote: I
returned as bewildered as a man
could be, and quite persuaded that
neither chance nor conjuring could
produce effects so bewildering."
It should be stated however, that
later on Houdin claimed he discovered the method employed by the
1 )avenports.
W. M. Fay, an American, was
also lor years connected with the
Davenports. The combination beingknown as the Davenport Brothers and Fay. William Henry
Davenport died in October, 1877, at the Oxford Hotel, Sydney, Australia. Mr. Fay retired and went to Sheep raising
and accumulated a fortune. He returned in the fall of 1804,
and hunted up Ira Davenport, and in conjunction with an
English magician, Snazelle, started on a tour of the world
which lasted just three days. The public being a little
skeptical as to spirit phenomena as compared to their ready
acceptance in the days gone by, and the name of Davenport
Brothers tailed to excite the enthusiasm and bring the vast
audiences it did some twenty years ago.
Ira Davenport is still alive and resides in the town of his
birth, Buffalo, N. Y.

fltaljatma.
ISSUED THE ist OF EACH MONTH.
CEO.

H. I.ITTLE,

EDITOK AND PROPRIETOR.

493 6th AVENUE, NEW YORK, U. S. A.

SUBSCRIPTION, $1.00 PER YEAR, SINGLE COPIES IO CENTS.
RATES OF ADVERTISEMENTS.Twenty cents per line, nonpareil type measure; space of
one inch $2.40 each insertion. A deduction of 20 per- cent, is allowed on advertisements when
paid for three months in advance, and on advertisements measuring 50 lines or more.
For Sale or Exchange column, 15 cents a line. Copyrighted March, 1895.
Remittances should be made by cheque, post office or express money order, or registered
letter.
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.

MAHATMA would ask as a favor that all magicians will send their
address and all news appertaining to magicians to this office, and
also names of persons interested in magic, etc. The aim of this paper
is to reach all magicians, and MAHATMA is now circulated all over the
world. There are many persons interested in magic who have never
heard of this paper. All magicians must help by news and happenings of the profession. There will appear monthly in this paper articles from Messrs. Hewes and Robinson, who have no superiors in the
practical knowledge of magic.
Powell is hard at work perfecting his latest illusions. He will have
everything new, and a magic entertainment that cannot be surpassed.
Mr. John J. Whalen, well known to the magical world, has signed
a contract with Frederick Bancroft for the season of 'QS-'OG. Mr.
Bancroft has spared no expense in securing the best people, printing,
and other paraphernalia, which is on a scale of magnificence that has
never been equaled in the history of magic. Mr. Bancroft styles himself the Prince of Magicians, and he has certainly spent a princely
sum of money before he makes his first appearance before the public.
The magnificent mansion which Professor Kellar is erecting in
Ludlow on the Hudson, is progressing rapidly under the personal
supervision of the Professor himself. Mr. Kellar has some great surprises in store for this coming season, consisting of startling illusions
of his own invention which he will introduce in his repertoire.
The manager of the Spanish conjurer Enireb, sailed IJuly 29th for
Port O'Prince, taking with him several fine Illusions manufactured
by Martinka & Co. of this city.
A New York manager has offered his theatre to " Jewett" the
Hartford magician, for an extended stay in this city. It is not known
whether this famous magician has accepted or not.

FROM OUR MHXICAN CORRESPONDENT.

Prof. Montanelli is successfully playing an engagement of one
month at " Teatro Guerrero," Puebla. Miss Montanelli is warmly
applauded every time she appears in her spirit cabinet. The two
Montanellis' give the entire show.
Rafael Montano is managing a variety company. The star being
Anita Diaz in ner new second sight act and Spanish dances.
The " Museo de Variedades" will soon open in which the principal
feature will be magic. Joaquin M. Garduno has been engaged for
the entire season, giving magic and spiritualism, also Blanca Linder,
transmission of thought; Fred Sylvester, illusionist and shadowist;
Alberto Castillo, clown juggler.
Prof. Ricardo Vargas is with his own company at Monterrey.
lldefonso F. Orellana, dealer in magical goods in this city has established an academy of magic. He has quite a number of pupils.
No foreign magician has visited us since two years ago.
There are but two Comic Opera Companies in this city.
RAFAEL MONTANO.

THE NEW TORN CARD.

This is superior to the old torn Flap-card, for after it is
restored, it is given for examination. It is prepared as
follows: a corner is first torn from a card, the remainder

being discarded as it is not used. A piece of thin black

cloth is cut the exact sine and shape of the torn corner and
is pasted to a similar card by means of soap.
A card so prepared, when held in front of a person, has
the appearance of a corner missing. It cannot be detected
at a few feet distance so perfect is the deception.
To restore card the performer holds the supposed missing
piece over the black cloth to show that it fits. He rubs it
once or twice and palms off both cloth and piece, taking
the wand in the same hand. He now gives the card for
examination and it is to all appearance restored.
This is useful in all torn card tricks.
A SUGGESTION.A good effect with chlorate of Potash and
sugar mixture, described on page 2 of April MAHATMA, is
produced as follows- a small quantity of the mixture with a
drop or two of sulphuric acid is placed on a plate about an
inch apart. The handkerchief to be burned is first moistened
with the spirits and laid on the table with the chemicals.
The conjurer take his wand, and saying as he does so, that
he scorns the use of matches, touches the handkerchief with
it. The handkerchief on being pushed by the wand sweeps
the potash mixture into the acid and all burst in flames.
This artifice may be used in all tricks where handkerchiefs
are burned and its simplicity recommends it to all.
HAKKV SHAGRKN.

HIS FIRST HIT.

BY "SARGEANT"' THE MKRRY

WIZARD.

Professor Fakirino, a magician of renown,

On show bills yclept "the marvel of the age,"
But at his home in Jersey they call him slick Bill Brown,
Who ran away to go upon the stage.
He tried his hand at everything from playing Hamlet, down
To swallowing the sword at country fairs'
One week he'd be a Fire King, the next, a circus clown,
The next he'd walk the ties quite free from cares.
But fate, an opportunity to each poor mortal gives,
Whereby he may be famous if he will.
The crucial moment surely comes to every man that lives,
And, ergo, such a moment came to Bill.
When it happened he was working under canvas with a lot
Of Kickapoos and Keeley graduates;
He lectured, and sold medicine, and very often got
His salarywhere the shoulder terminates.
Their best card was a lusher who did a magic turn,
He'd a set of apparatus that was great,
And Bill got stuck upon the act and started in to learn,
So's to jump in when his nobs got on a skate.
He practiced every chance he got, but never said a word,
Till, at last, one night the wizard was non i'sl.
The manager was furious 'till Bill's calm voice was heard:
"You raise the curtain, and I'll d^o the rest.
He started in and did the turn for all that he was worth,
The Hat, the Flowers, the Handkerchiefs and Rings;
The audience was with him and you'd think he owned the earth,
To see him use the old Professor's "things."
They were playing in a little town out in the woolly west,
And the audience went wild when he got through;
They thought him such a wonder that if driven to the test,
There was nothing in the world he couldn't do.
Late that night a frisky cyclone came sailing o'er the town
And struck the little church upon the hill
It picked up the sacred structure and didn't let it down,
And for all I know the church is sailing still.
Next morning when the people found their kirk had gone astray
They laid the disappearance to poor Bill;
A delegation went to him and gave him just one day
In which to put it back upon the hill.
" I ain't got your church," said Bill, "And where you fellows think
I could hide it, is the thing I can't conceive."
" We reckon," said the spokesman, and he gave a knowing wink
"We reckon that you've got it up your sleeve."

ANTI-SPIRITUALISM.
BY F. D. HEWES.
(JINCE the remarkable demonstrations produced by the Fox Sisters of Rochester, N.
Y., who claimed that they accomplished their
phenomena by an unseen agency which they
attributed to supernatural beings, or disembodied spirits, hundreds of others have appeared in
different parts of this and other countries styling
themselves mediums, and claiming to have intercourse with our departed friends and through
their mediumistic abilities to cause them to write
upon slates, tip and lift tables, rap upd walls in
answer to our questions, and even going so far
JS to materialize faces and forms of those that
are near and dear to us. Thousands have accepted spiritualism as a religion, and place explicit trust and confidence in these self styled mediums. No other belief could be more pure
and beautiful than spiritualism or its teachings, if it were true. To believe that our friends and
relatives are constantly with us. and are directing us in paths of virtue, honesty and integrity,
would cheer the mind of any mortal; but to consider that in order to receive a communication
from ones friend or relative it is necessary to consult an entire stranger, and to pay them a sum
of money in order to receive the same, clearly upsets the belief that might have a foothold in
the intelligent mind. 1 as an investigator have attended some of the seances given by our most
prominent mediums, and in all of my investigations I have failed to witness what I could call
a genuine demonstration of supernatural power. In Little Rock, Ark., 1892, I attended a seance
given by a Mrs. Fletcher, who was securely bound to an ordinary chair which was fastened to
the floor of her cabinet, her dress, a black silk one, was tacked to the floor upon all sides, the
lights were lowered and immediately bells were rung and other usual phenomena was presented.
The curtain of the Cabinet opened slowly and the form of a lady dressed in white emerged
therefrom, purporting to be a sister of one of the gentlemen present, and during the conversation
between the gentleman and the supposed spirit, he requested a piece o( her dress, as a token of
remembrance, the spirit reached to a table and picking up a pair of shears cut from the side of
her dress a small piece three inches square, this piece which was cut from the dress of the supposed spirit, contained three thicknesses of cloth, viz: the lining, the stiffening of the dress, and
the dress itself. Strange to say th.it when the Cabinet was opened and the lights turned up,
Mrs. Fletcher was still in the same position in the Cabinet, but stranger still, a piece had been
cut from exactly the same spot of Mrs. Fletcher's black silk dress, nnd the white placed there fit
exactly, this was the most perplexing experiment that I had ever seen, but after a nights reflection I solved the problem. She was tied in the usual manner of mediums, her hands behind her
tied with tape, the reader is probably aware that knots tied upon ones wrists with tape may be
converted into a slip noose by a smart pull on the long end of the tape, so that in this manner
she could free her hands at will, to escape from the dress it was only necessary to unhook the
waist band of the dress and step out of it leaving it still tacked to the floor, the gentleman purporting to be a brother was in reality a confederate of the medium, and the pieces of the black
dress had been previously cut out, and the opening cleverly concealed by the folds of the dress,
the pieces cut therefrom had been emersed in a solution of hydro-chloric acid and lime, which
removed all color. These pieces were palmed by the medium when she appeared as the spirit,
so that it was very easy to feign cutting them from the dress.

S"

The slate writing test may be accomplished in different ways, the neatest manner is as follows:
Take two ordinary slates of the same size, and previously write J communication upon one and
cover it with a black card board closely fitting inside the frame, now show your slates both sides
perfectly blank, step to your table upon which is a black cloth and make a scroll upon both
sides of the slate No. 1 which contains the writing and lay it upon your table, you then pick up
No. 2 which is blank and do the same. Now take a moistened cloth and erase the marks first
upon one side and then the other, taking care to keep the edge of the slate upon the table while
erasing marks, now throw this slate carelessly upon the floor, and pick up slate No. 1. erase first
the marks from the black card board which covers the communication, and in reversing your
slate to erase the opposite side, allow the black card board to fall upon the table; throw this
slate upon the floor with the writings downward, now pick up slate No, 2, powder a little chalk
upon the face of it, and show it to your audience; now take slate No. 1 and place it over slate
No. 2, and care should be taken not to expose the writing in handing them to a spectator to
hold, now reverse your slates so that when the slate is removed the writing will appear upon
the lower one.
A simple method to produce spirit rapping upon a table is by letting the heel of the right boot
come in contact with the table leg, pressing it firmly and slightly raising or lowering the heel
will cause the raps that come apparently from the center of the t.:ble. the vibration being carried
up the table leg.
The old idea of lifting and tipping a table is a good one, and used so little at present that it is
unknown to many and it consists merely of two parties sitting at opposite sides of the table who
are in collusion, they having prepared themselves previously with a small band of iron fastened
upon the under side of the arm reaching from the elbow to the wrist, the iron being bent slightly
at the wrist so that when the hands are placed on the table the irons slip under the table top.
thus securing a firm hold, now by pre-arrangement they can tip the table in any direction and
also lift it from the floor while a committee are seated about it.
The Cabinet mysteries simply require a knowledge of getting in and out of the ties, ,uid this
anything can be accomplished that is desired by the performer.

without eating or drinking. The man was in charge of the Western Reserve Medical College of
this city, and was watched day and night by the faculty and students o( the college. Santanelli
is under the management of genial John Williams who for several seasons was Herrmann's business manager. Santanelli appears in Pittsburgh for two weeks beginning Aug. 5th, he goes
from there to Philadelphia for three weeks, which closes his season.
Crelo, the juggler, is booked to appear .it the Auditorium, week of August sth.
MAL'RICI-: RAYMOND.

Mr. Hugh G. Emmett, the celebrated California entertainer, who

has entertained every club and lodge in this section of the country is
now visiting California, his native State. Mr. Emmett is already
well booked for this coming season.
IMPROVED SMOKE TRICK.
First you hand volunteer assistant trick box, containing cigarettes. Meanwhile you show a
package of cigarette papers with the remark: "these were given to me by the Emperor of China
and were specially made, they do not consist of paper but of ribbon. If I enclose tobacco in
them they make cigarettes, but if 1 roll them up so, without tobacco, they change to thetr original form- ribbons. Here you produce colored ribbons in three yard lengths. Now 1 show an
ordinary glass tumbler and take a piece of paper and make it into a cone with which 1 cover the
glass, and place it on a table or chair. This 1 repeat with another glass, and now I open the
trick box and let him light cigarette. Pass the smoke into glass and then pass from this glass
into another glass; now hold glass in two hands right at the top. and collect more smoke. Then
say 1 will dispense with the K^SS, close your hands and they become full of smoke.
"EXPLANATION. -- The trick box is easily made or obtained. The ribbons are rolled up small and
fastened with a small pin or piece of thread, these are vested and developed while rolling up the
paper, they form a roll one inch in diameter. Ulasses contain a few drops liquid ammonia fort.
The covers are made of blotting paper with a few drops ot muriatic acid where the point ol cone
will be when made. I have a piece of tin made to fit palm, a small tongue stands up half an
inch and catches between thumb and first finger at fleshy part. This is covered with cloth and
on it is the acid. To catch smoke in hands hold glass in left and tilt it so as to allow ammonia
to come on the hand. The rest is easy.
ILSA BECQ.

CLEVELAND NEWS.
Barnum & Bailey Circus was greeted by immense crowds afternoon and evening of July 1st.
Miss Cornalla and Sakai, please with their juggling. Mile. La Tosca. lady magician, has a finer
outfit than the average sideshow magkian, and MOMS. La Tosca, marionette manipulator jre
drawing cards in the side show.
Santanelli, the hypnotist, who recently had a man in a trance for seven days and nights .it
Lake Brady, appeared at Army and Navy Hall for two weeks beginning Monday, week of July
15th, He created quite a sensation here by keeping a man in a trance for eight days and nights

A. J. Martvne, the king of platform entertainers, and so well known

throughout the United States and Canada, is absolutely without a
peer as a humorist, mimic, impersonator, polyphonist and ventriloquist. Mi. Martyne is a gentleman that it is a pleasure to meet, and
many return engagements for this coming season shows th;it he is
appreciated by managers and the public,

flDabatma.
FROM OUR CHICAGO CORRESPONDENT.

paratus obtainable. Mr. Roterberg is making him a beautiful centre

table in the style of Louis XV., finished in white and gold to match
the balance of his stage setting.
Chicago conjurers are unanimous in their praise of Mr. W. E. Robinson's excellent article in last months MAUATMA, and sincerely hope
for more articles from the same author.

The chief event in the magic line during July has without doubt
been the first appearance in this city of the Guibals, whose work
created quite a stir among local performers. The Guibals finished a
two weeks' engagement at Hopkin's State Street Theatre. Mon.
Guibal did some clever tricks, among which were the programme,
ring and envelope trick, the glass box and paper cone, multiplication
of cards, the diminishing cards, etc.. using ordinary parlor furniture
for stage setting. He manages to keep his audience very much interested by his patter which he delivers with a certain dramatic effect
and with such an air of sincerity that it reminds one of the well known
saying of Robert Houdin, that "a magician is an actor playing the
part of a magician." By his success Guibal demonstrated to Chicago
conjurers that a performer can take up from eight to ten minutes
with a single trick, use plenty of patter and still not tire his audience,
in direct opposition to the often heard statement that the fin d? sieclc
way of performing a trick is to rush through it as quickly as possible.
Mons. Guibal closed his act with his well known silent second sight
seance: "psychognotism," in which he was assisted by Miss Otis, who
takes the place of Miss Greville.
Mr. Salo Ansbach accompanied by his accomplished wife gave us
a pleasant call. Mr. Ansbach reports a prosperous season.
T H E BUMPKIN.
Satsuma, the Japanese juggler, finished a two weeks' engagement
Take care with this figure to look as idiotic as possible. The best
at Hopkin's Theatres.
way is to stare very hard and open your mouth at the same time.
Mock-Sad-Ally, the Oriental necromancer, is playing local datesYou will notice that the hat looks a different shape to the one on
He is booked at the Olympic Theatre, which will soon ope" as a con- the Bumpkin's head. The reason of this is that when you place it on
tinuous variety house.
your head you stretch it till you make it stiff and sets on your head,
Prof. Jos. Pacourek and son, the Bohemian magicians, left for as in the drawing. To form the hat pull the sides out so as to give
North Dakota after finishing a tour of one year through Wisconsin.
the shape as shown in the drawing. Part of this arrangement must
Le Roy Doude, the clever crayon artist and chalk talker of West be completed when it is on the head.
Pullman, has added the dancing skeleten mule on a blackboard to his
Professor Herrmann with a party of friends spends most of his
act, a'so some up to date tricks.
Mons. Bernier, the French illusionist, is playing at St. Paul, Minn. time on board of his splendid yacht Fra Diavolo. He is a member
Mdlle. Martelle, the lady magician, performed for two weeks at the of all prominent yacht clubs, and is now preparing for an extended
Clarke Street and Globe Museums, making a feature of an inexhaus- cruise in Southern waters.
tible box, originally owned and invented by the late D'Alvini, and
AN EVENING WITH "POWELL 1 AT THE EDEN MUSEE.
loaned to her by Mr. Roterberg.
Prof. Thos. E. Addy and wife, who from now on will be known as
How some of the experiments can be done as presented
Nadean and Navarre, leave for the .road August 6th.
by America's cleverest magician, Frederick Powell. It is only
Edward Maro, the famous society prcstidigitateur, is as successful
as ever mystifying the people. Next year Mr. Maro intends to take necessary to state that he is the embodiment of mystery and
an extensive tour through Mexico; he is now perfecting himself in the skill, and as he presents his numerous problems it is safe to
say that but few magicians have detected his methods, and
language of that country.
Prof. Wernert showed in.Peoria, Illinois, July 4th, the performance as many of them would like to know a few explanations
will not come amiss. One of the prettiest tricks is the (lag
proved an artistic as well as a financial success.
Peregall, the Italian Mephisto, played at the South Side Musec, the trick, the performer taking three small pieces of paperred,
white and blue, rubbing them between his hands and proweek of July 21st.
Hornmann, the up to date magician, is as busy as ever playing ducing innumerable little Hags of the three different colors.
Chicago and other dates. On July 4th he performed before a large An explanation is as follows: the flags are rolled in a small
and appreciative audience at Neogo, 111. He is at present building a bundle turning them half and half, so as to make an even
bundle, a small rubber band can be placed on each end, and
combination illusion which he expects will create a furore next season.
Mr. Rapp, the Milwaukee conjurer, was in Chicago July 7th, and then roll them in a piece of black tissue paper, sticking the
was glad to find a place where he could purchase the latest MAIIAT.MA. side of the paper leaving the top and bottom open so
Prof. Rodney, the smoke artist, and wife, have added magic to their that there need be no more tying. Then take a piece of
turn and are busy getting ready for the fall season. Mr. Rodney has thread doubled, making two half loops over the bundle, and
when you have them in your hands the loop of thread falls
improved his smoke turn in such a way as to make it suitable for the
oft and all you have got to do is to tear the black tissue and
stage.
Charles Carter, assisted by Corinne Carter, introduced his illusion the rubber band slides down, and your flags are free. The
" T h e Phantom Bride or the Mysterious Swing," at Kohl & Middle- way to secure your load without detection is to have a small
pocket on the inside of the front of your dress coat, the string
ton's Clark Street Musee, July 21st.
Ziska, Chicago's clever conjurer, is playing local dates, previous to that is attached to the small bundle of flags tie to the other
side of your coat, and when you pick up the second piece of
going out with the Vincent show in August.
H. West, the fire king, finished a two weeks' engagement at the paper run the thumb of the right hand under the thread, and
bring it under the thumb of the left hand, you then pick up
South Side Musee. Mr. West does a neat turn.
Ganellean, the illusionist, went to Minneapolis, Minn., where he the third and last piece of paper, pushing the left hand away
performed in the Musee for two weeks. He then returned to Chicago, from you which draws the bundle into the hand under cover
where he is booked for the season at Kohl & Middleton's houses. of the three pieces of paper. The second load you can take
This speaks well for Mr. Ganellean, who gives a smooth and refined from under your vest while you are down among the auperformance which pleases the public and managers alike. Mr. dience.
Ganellean is adding largely to his repertoire, purchasing the best apAnother very puzzling problem of the Professor is when

ZlDabatma.
he borrows a high hat he takes the hat in the left hand and
as a chair upon the stage is in the wav. having hold of the
brim of the hat with his fingers, with the same hand holding
the hat he picks up the chair, releases a spring by pressing
the top which forces a load through the front of the chair,
and seemingly placing the chair out of the way, hi. has secured his load without going near a table or the back of a
chair. Another way to ioad a hat is to have a star trap in the
center of the table, with a loop of wire projecting, and the
performer laying a hat upon its side on the table, picks up his
"wand and then picks the hat up again and places it upon one
of his side tables with another load in it. All the Professor
has got to do is to run one finger through the loop that is
projecting from the table and as he turns the hat in an upright
position he pulls the load into the hat. The old way of deliberately scooping up a load from the back of a chair although
it is done by the best of performers, is a chestnut, and
many people who know a little of magic are looking for it,
and there are many amateur magicians that can follow out
every move of some of our prominent star performers, for
the simple reason that they have not improved upon the old
methods. It is claimed by many observing magicians that
Powell is one of the neatest performers that has ever appeared in this city, and one of his tricks that will puzzle you is
to see the Professor when he has unloaded among other
things two silk handkerchiefs which he throws upon the back
of a frail chair that is so small and there being no decorations
upon the chair, could not possibly conceal an object of
any kind; he picks up the two handkerchiefs and you find
that he has made four out of the two, he again throws the
handkerchiefs upon the back of the chair, and calls your attention to the fact that his sleeves are rolled up, etc., picks
the handkerchiefs up again and he has six, he carelessly
throws them over his shoulder and again they have increased. How this can be done is so simple that you can do it
by using the same means. The two uprights of the chair
are hollow, and he has already placed two handkerchiefs in
each, and when he picks up the first two he also takes the
ends of two that are invisible unless you know that they are
there, and he has four; again he throws them upon the back
of the chair and when he picks them up he takes the two
from the other upright of the chair, making six, he carelessly
throws them over his shoulder, and under the lapel of his
coat the ends of two handkerchiefs are projecting which are
hanging down his back inside of his coat, and he takes them
from his shoulder and he has two more; he can also continue
as he can have them under his sleeves in the same manner,
or under the knee of his pants, and if he wears knee pants
he can attach the end of the handkerchief to a button. The
performer can load his chair by employing a long and thin
tin box without ends, in which he folds his handkerchiefs,
the ends projecting from the lower end of the box, and by
shoving the box down inside the upright of the chair, and a
small hole in the chair in which you can run a needle which
catches the ends of the handkerchiefs, withdraw the box and
your handkerchiefs are not wrinkled and so make it a deeper
mystery.
Another problem and one that never fails to please is the
flower trick, a great many performers after the first load secure the rest from the back of the table or umbrella, and it
has always been a mystery to me why the performer should
go behind his table fumbling around for the load. Powell
picks up his piece of paper and makes a cornucopia of it and
then unfolds it, showing that it is still emptyall the time
away from his tableshe again makes a cornucopia of it, and
it is filled with flowers, the last time his hand and the corner
of the paper covers the leg of his table which must be hollow,
with the flowers in a star trap with a piece of wire attached
and when he has secured the end of the wire he raises his
paper to make the cornucopia for the second time and that
is where he secures his first load. The second one upon the

back of a chair with a small wire loop attached, he then runs

his thumb through the loop, the load resting upon the back
of his left hand, he shows the left hand open, the paper between thumb and finger of the right hand, turning the paper
around so that you can see both sides of the paper, he then
places the corner of the paper under the thumb of the left
hand, making the cornucopia around the back of the left
hand, and he has secured his second load. I merely say
that the tricks can be done in this manner, I do not claim
that these are his methods, for he is so skillful that you cannot detect him. Another feature of this performer is that he
never employs the same methods twice; he is continually
changing, consequently his audience is continually guessing.
CURIOUS INVENTIONS.
OPTICAL ILLUSIONS.

Sepctral illusions date back nearly a century. Descriptions of them are found in the memoirs of the physicist
Htienne Gaspard Robertson (1762 to 1837), who invented
phantasmagorias by projection. This mode of illusion was
completely transformed by Robin, who conceived the idea
of obtaining the real image of a living person by means of a
transparent glass invisible to the spectator. Robin's representations created great excitement at Paris some twentyfive years ago, and our contributor, Mr. G. Kerlus, has
already given a thorough description of them in his journal.
His article terminated with a short description of dissolving
specters, which we shall reproduce, since it contains the
principle of those metempsychoses that for two or three

1
FIGURH 2. DIAGRAM EXPLANATORY OK THE TRICK.

years have been obtaining a certain measure of success on

some stages of the capital and in strolling exhibitions. The
following is the description :
"Dissolving specters consist in the successive and uninterrupted appearance of various objects that are transformed
before the spectators eyes. In this way, Mr. Robert Houdin
obtained very curious effects. Dissolving specters are obtained by placing an object on the stage so as to be seen directly, and another beneath so as to be seen by reflection, and
by gradually illuminating one and not the other. The image
the least illuminated disappears and gives place at the same
point to that of the object which at this moment is receiving the entire light.
"When the theatre, through its arrangement, does not
allow the actor forming the specter, to be placed beneath
the stage, he may stand behind the scenes. In this case
the glass must be vertical but diagonal on the stage."
Now for the trick of metempsychosis. Fig. 1 gives ai
general idea of the appearance of the stage at the moment
the doors of the transformation temple are opened.
At the back of a deep and slightly conical aperture, entirely lined with black, appears under a strong light, in the cen-

/IDafoatma.
ter of a cubical cavity about 24 inches square, a plaster or
paper pulp head that the showman picks up nnd passes
around among the spectators in order to well show the
materiality of its existence. After it has been examined, the
head is put back in place when, gradually, it becomes animate.
The eyelids wink, the face takes on a color, the mouth
smiles, and. in less than a minute, the plaster has entirely
disappeared and given place to the head of a live woman
which moves its eyes. Then, by an opposite effect, the
living head becomes pallid and changes into plaster again.
This plaster head afterward becomes a death's head from
which a bouquet of artificial flowers appears to make its
exit. Then the death's head disappears, and is replaced by
a pot, which supports the bouquet. The showman then
approaches the stage and takes the bouquet, and passes it
around among the spectators. After putting it back in place
he makes it disappear and shows in place of it a globe of fish
from which he afterward causes the plaster head to emerge.
This latter apparition terminates an exhibition which through

I-IOURE

AL. when the showman approaches to take up one of the

objects placed at P. The darkness ol the place in which the
elass is situated would prevent the shifting from being seen.
The manner of placing the plaster head and the bouquet,
moreover, allow it to be supposed that the objects are simplv
passed under the <rlass. which consequently remains immovable.
In tine, the plaster head is seen directly through the glass,
AB. and the woman's head that replaces it is seen by reflection; the former returns and there is substituted for the living
head a death's head, which, illuminated in turn, shows its
reflected image at the spot where the plaster head was. As
the latter is no longer illuminated, it ceases to be visible.
Nothing is easier then than to remove the plaster head and
substitute a bouquet for it without the maneuver being seen
by the spectators, as the bouquet does not become visible
until it is directly illuminated. We have easily performed all
of these experiments with a model of small size formed of a
simple cardboard box 10 inches in section and 24 inches
in length. To complete the apparatus it sufficed to fix

AN OI' r i t . A I .

successive transformations, might thus be continued indefinitely.

' '.
The reader has already guessed that, in these transformations, the objects that succeed one another are seen alternately, directly, and by reflection. The diagram in Fig. 2
shows the principle of the very simple arrangement that permits these results to be obtained. At P is the real object
lying upon a shelf, EGAM. At AB is a plate of glass inclined
at an .ingle of about 4=, degrees. As the object, P,- is directly
and brilliantly illuminated, it alone is seen; but if a second
object be placed at F, and be gradually illuminated, its image,
reflected by the glass, AB. will appear to the spectators to
be at P. that is to say, the plaster head will be replaced by
the head of the living woman, F.
It would seem as if the glass would prevent the showman
from approaching to take up the plaster head to show it to
the spectators: but it does not, since the glass has not necessarily the dimensions shown in the diagram, its lower edge
stopping nearly on a level with the shelf upon which the
head, P. lies. In the case of a stage and of objects of very
large size, it would not be difficult to slide the glass back to

ll.l.UMUN.

an ordinary pane of glass at an .ingle of 4=, degrees.

The inside of the box was lined with black paper, and
apertures were made in the side for illuminating the objects
through two incandescent lamps, maneuvered by rheostats,
in order to vary the light and effect the necessary substitutions.
The experiments that succeed best with such an apparatus
consist in making a fruit ripen, and in exhibiting a blond
doll's head and then converting it into a brunette. A skillful
box maker might certainly utilize this experiment, and make
an interesting and cheap toy, since the use of incandescent
lamps is in nowise obligatory.
In strolling shows the installation is completed by a few
artifices that contribute to increase the delusion. Thus, lamps
placed at L serve to illuminate the spectators, and even to
dazzle their eyes a little, so as to make the background appear darker; and the plaster head is moulded from that of
the person who animates it. All these details make an attractive and interesting spectacle of the metempsychosis, and
one which, although not very novel in principle, is at least
skillfully presented and merits
the same success as Robin's
specters, from which it is1 derived.i.,i ^c.iturr.

JHaljatma.

COMING
JJ EWCTT^ THE - ^GREATEST
MAGICIAN.
ALWAYS DRAWS Till I V I C D S T

2O CENTURY

F ^ A S I I I CD N A 1 3 L_ E :

J E W E T T HAS THH F1NHST AND LARGHST COLLHCTION OF TRICKS IN

THE WORLD. i?r WITHOUT ONF FXCFPTION. J H
ALSO

THE

H-A.3NT33SO3VE3EST7

ONE MILE OF THE MOST FLATTERING PRESS NOTICES,

A

PERMANENT ADDRESS:

FULL

CORPS OF STAGE

HANDS

ACCOMPANY H I M .

" J E W E T T , "

MACICIAN, HARTFORD, CONN.

I 1

ZlDabatma.
OLD TRICKS.
A W O R D IN F A V O R

OF

OIL)

TRICKS.

1 would rather see an old trick

well done than a new one which
is devoid of ingenuity or effect.
Cm vou find any better tricks
than the old Chinese rings, the
inexhaustible hat, the cups and
balls, the aerial treasure, etc.. and
let me see a person perform the
above, and I will tell you his ability and prospects as a magician.
In a novices hands these tricks
fall (hit without making an impression, but in the hands of
a clever performer they are the very tricks, although old. that
are talked of. and the Chinese rings to-day are still in the
programme of a celebrated performer, and the ease with
which he handles them makes you wish to see them again.
It is simply my intention in this article to take a few old
tricks and dress them in a new suit of clothes, showing you
that old tricks like a shabby individual, in new apparel are
greatly improved. To start with we will take the cone of
wood, or the old die trick, and instead of using either of (he
above I use an ordinary pint or one-half pint champagne bottle, and tricks are improved when done with ordinary every
day articles, such as we are accustomed to see in general use.
instead of those that are strange looking and made for the
occasion, and look what they really are "tricks." Over the
bottle 1 have a shell or dummy bottle of paper mache or
metal, also a paper cover fitting over both, the paper cover
containing the shell is setting on the table and the bottle
along side of it. The performer produces an orange, and this
he places on a side table; he now passes the bottle for inspection, and at the same time borrows a hat and returns
with both to the stage, placing the hat on the table along side
of the orange, and the bottle on the other table beside the
cover, remarking this cover is made to go over the bottle,
and showing them in action bv placing it over, and again
removing it from the bottle, but leaving the shell behind.
The performer shows the cover and bottle, but for the benefit
of those who did not see it, proves its solidity by banging it
on the table, holding it by the neck, near the rear edge of
the table, and the last knock he<ailows the bottle to slide out
of the shell on the servante. The performer has under his
vest a duplicate orange, and after the bottle has slid out of
the shell, performer picks up a China plate, and while showing both sides of it, allows the orange to drop out of his vest
into the shell bottlethe plate hiding the operation. The
simple drawing in of the stomach allows the orange to drop
of itself. The back of the shell can have a small round hole if
found necessary to allow the little finger to pass through to
hold the orange from dropping out in handling the shell bottle. This dummy bottle, presumedly the genuine one, is
placed on the plate which is now given to your assistant to
hold. Your assistant has under his vest a duplicate or second
bottle, and holds the plate close to the body on a line with
"the bottom of his vest. Performer now covers the orange
with the hat, making at the same time a movement of withdrawing the orange, really leaving it still under the hat. and
in being caught at it, lifts the hat and shows the orange still
there, remarking I shall not use the hat, but make the orange
pass from my hand into or under the paper cover, and at the
moment the orange enters the cover the bottle will leave it
to make room for the orange. The performer vanishes the
orange, and at the same time your assistant draws in his
stomach and down drops the duplicate bottle, which effect
is to the audience as if it actually passed through the plate.
On removing the cover take the shell bottle with it. leaving

the orange on the plate. A neat and effective way of vanishing the orange, instead of the pass or trap, is to have
half a shell of thin paper, color of the orange, fitting over it.
You make the motion of tossing the orange toward the cover,
and in doing so drop the orange into the coat tail pocket,
simply keeping the paper shell in the hand, but remarking 1
must make it a little smaller, so I will squeeze it, which he
does, making the shell into a small round ball, he shows it
ind makes the pass holding the small ball in same hand as
the wand. The end of wand being hollow to receive it, thus
showing hands perfectly empty.
I will now give an idea on vanishing a glass of water. Take
a piece of mica, or if you can procure it, clear celluloid, whicii
is better. Cut a circular piece a trifle larger, say a sixteenth
of an inch than the top of your glass, and have a few pellets
of transparent wax on this; you now fill the glass with water
and palm the piece of mica, leaving it on top of the glass as
you advance towards the audience. You now borrow a handkerchief and place it over the glass, and hold handkerchief
and glass from the outside, press the handkerchief down on
the wax which is on the mica. Holding f.he glass at the top
you make a motion of throwing it towards the audience, and
as the hand is brought back, before giving it the forward
throw, drop the glass out of the handkerchief into your coat
tail pocket, which should be rubber lined. The mica cover
is easily retained in the fingers which have just let go of the
glass, but you change your mind and do not throw the glass
but walk clown with the glass apparently in the handkerchief, squeezing a sponge with water or a rubber ball concealed in the hand. Now take hold of one corner of the
handkerchief, drop the center and the glass has vanished.
Palm off the mica and return handkerchief.
Another way is to have the top of glass prepared with
wax, then palm thin piece of circular glass, place it on top
of glass and press it firmly, now then vanish it by any way
that you wish, the water remaining in glass by a glass top
held on by wax. Another way is to have a glass pitcher
tilled to the top with wine or colored water; you must use a
small thin glass, fill it from a pitcher and cover it with handkerchief, letting the glass slide gently back into the pitcher,
and it containing wine prevents the glass from being seen
through it.
The next trick is a chin chin egg and handkerchief. Use
a wide mouthed goblet, or a sugar bowl is a good article;
have the egg attached to a hair or fine silk thread, long enough
so that when the egg is in the bowl the end of the thread is
just behind the egg or outside of the glassto the end of this
fasten a small pellet of wax. The glass is shown and the
egg placed openly into it, and the pellet of wax press against
the glass just behind the egg, which will hide the wax from
the audience. Borrow a handkerchief, and in your right hand
folded up is one of the silk handkerchiefs: the borrowed one
held by the top corner, one in each hand, and in covering
the glass do so with a kind of side motion, dropping silk
handkerchief in the glass. Now pick up your other silk
handkerchiel under which is concealed the duplicate egg, do
not use a hollow egg, but a genuine one. learn to palm the
silk handkerchief instead of stuffing it into a hollow egg.
With a little practice and determination this handkerchief can
be worked into the palm and the egg produced all with one
hand. The hand containing the palmed handkerchief immediately lifting the borrowed handkerchief from the glass or
grasps the wand. As you lift the borrowed handkerchief
from the glass with the right hand you transfer it to the left
hand which is introduced under it, and obtains the egg palming it and transferring it to the coat tail pocket.
The wax on thread is to keep it in one place against the
glass, and prevents its moving when the glass is shaken,
without it the thread would become lost.
WM. E. ROHINSON, the Man of Mystery.

/IDabatma.
THL LAM.; Of HUMBUG.

A >.i!,>.-..

lliv. J h l J i U i icplied.

All yes, the cross of Christ, of Jesus, the only K^otlen son of God, who
OBSERVATION AND EXPERIENCES. BY DR. ALBERT MERLIN.
was crucified by Pontius Pilate, and crowned with thorns in derision, as an
A r
atonement for sin, that all might inherit eternal life. And this is^what ?
CHAPTER II.
drawing a crown.
" N o w you shall hear, what he (The Devil) can accomplish through his
" A crown,'' the chorus replied.
instruments.
</lnalomy of Melancholy.
Yes, dear children, the crown of glory that awaits all that believe in Jesus,
1 wonder if it was really and truly Bainum who said: " people like to be and so on, all novel and interesting, but I detected sufficient evidence that
all was not gold that glittered. That his sincerity was only a pretence. Tii.it
humbugged," I don't believe it was. It is too true a saying tor modern
he was a shrewd sharper serving the devil in the livery of heaven. My sustimes to usurp. It must have come down to us from the remote past. All
picion was confirmed. He was one of the craft. But so adept was he that
good jokes, seem to have been known to the ancients; many modern init took one of experience like myself to find it out.
ventions also. '' Is there anything new under the sun. 1 '
I knew where to look for pretence as well as for sincerity. I knew the ways
There is no walk in life, no avenue of business, no avocation, even the
of the world too well to be gulled by even so polished a fraud as was this
most exalted, but in it can be found some brilliant genius, who attempts to
man. He had a large following, and had won many converts and was highly
humbug his fellows, and play the charlatan and the pretender. There is a
esteemed. Apparently his influence was for good, so his conduct and object
bewitching fascination in such action, much as we deny it. Some succeed
remained unquestioned by his willing dupes.
in concealing the grossness of the attempt, by the deceptive veneering of outThus it is with that poor blind deluded sect known as spiritualists. Poor
ward goodness, social position, and the purest of demeanor. Others bolder
magic entertains them, and their mediums every one of whom are frauds and
than their rivals accomplish the same results by audacity and nerve, even
pretenders, delude them, all in the name of true religion. Being of their
great minds have great weaknesses, and often yield willing victims to both
craft, I recognized them all. Even as I recognized this religious fraud, this
classes of charlatans. As Montague wrote: ''A man m a y b e formed by nalater on exposed evangelist.
ture for an admirable citizen, and yet, from the purest motives, be a dangerous one. 1 '
Considering these theughts, I came naturally to ask what is his object? I
had not long to wait, the reverend pretender soon finished his drawings, and
Ask yourself if you are not duped and humbugged daily? You, yourself,
then stepping forward and looking about the large audience announced that
are you not a fraud in some way ? A good fraud of course, for you have a
it was always customary to take a silver collection at the close of the meetgood object to attain, a good charlatan. Ah yes, now you and I reader uning, exhorting all to give freely, and thus lend to the Lord, as was commandderstand one another at the start, we are all frauds and charlatans, and dare
ed in the sacred scripture.
to confess it, because the false system of society forces us to be so, humbugging in our own peculiar way that good may come from it. The performing
If as a good orator at first he pleased, he certainly, captivated me by his
business we put off until the day after to-morrow. So we are oft times as
eloquence now. The subject was to his liking; his oratory now had the
bad as the frauds we condemn.
true ring, and his burning exhortation to hand over the cash, coaxed ten cents
even from my pocket. After the silver collection was taken, and there must
There is no element in man more positive or more skillful than that of
have been fifty dollars collected, the audience dispersed. A few ladies remind powerthe control of other mindseither by arbitrary force or seducmaining for a talk.
Standing in the background 1 quietly awaited an intertive influence, causing them to accept his ideas and be swayed by his actions;
when employed in a noble direction this is a glorious effort, but when at- . view. I had not long to wait.
He seemed pleased to form my acquaintance, had heard of me and invited
tempted for selfish purposes, personal supremacy and evil uses it is a terrible
me to remain with him as his guest for the day
curse. The story I am about to relate will illustrate this, I would also state,
Unbosoming himself he stated he was working the "gospel racket" for
the slang phrases introduced in this story were the expressions of the bogus
all it was worth, and that he had pulled the leg of a well known beer brewer
evangelist.
for his outfit. Continuing my conversation with this eloquent embodiment
I arrived too late at Alton Bay, N. H.. to take the steamer for Centre Harof total depravity, I was confidently informed that as he could not use his.
bor, so was forced to remain over night in this town famed for its camp
tent in cold weather, and that faking religion did not pay in the winter time,,
meetings. To pass away the time I wandered about, and finally found myhe intended to become an exposer of spiritualism, and that there was big
self at the entrance to the Adventist camp grounds.
money in it, as he would conduct it. His soft snap being to avoid hall rent,
As I passed in, I noticed a large circus tent, and a gentleman dressed in
by securing the aid of the churchej and thus their vestries free of charge.,
ministerial garb standing at its entrance.
thereby tilling his own pockets and " beefing the devil" as he termed it.
A country "hayseed" whose eyes were in another direction stumbled over
one of the guy ropes of the tent, as 1 happened to pass along.
At his urgent request, and being prevailed upon by a handsome offer, I.
agreed to teach him later on in the season, the art of mediumship. How toJudge of my more than surprise, to hear what I took to be a reverend
do legitimate, and how to expose illegitimate modern spiritualism, or in other
gentleman, make the remark: "Look out where you are goingyou big
words to get him up in magic. To make him an amateur magician, conseRube," this last in an undertone, but loud enough for my slang accustomed
quently a great medium.
ear to catch.
I was startled. Here was food for thought. 1 sized up this clergyman
At the close of our social converse 1 was informed that he was going to
immediately. Mentally asking myself where in heaven's name a man of his
" s o a k " a few brothers and sisters in the lake that night at 12 o'clock, and
cloth found the word ' ' R u b e , " only used in the vernacular of fakirs and
I was urged to remain and see the circus.
showmen.
Like all fakirs, sensational or nothing, a baptism at midnight. Bonfires,
Can this reverend gentleman be a pretender, a fakir, and is he working the
blazing and brother Smithson, the fraudulent clergyman baptising repentant
camp meeting. It certainly seemed so. A gentleman, as this man appeared
sinners, while the flock of believers, stood singing gospel hymns on the shore.
to be, would never use such a word. Hardly possible that he could ever
I could not help admire his effrontery, and 1 fancied him >ften laughing
have heard it. It indicated an experience in Jericho, possibly an experience
over the success of his pretended piety.
with thieves. I resolved to investigate.
Out of the thousand or more people there, only two individuals understood
On inquiry of one of the deacons 1 learned that this highly respected man each otherhe and I. He waist deep in the cold water of Lake Winnepewas the popular and well known Reverend James A. Smithson, let us call
saukee looking at me, and I at him. Both considering no doubt, " what
him, as I do not wish to divulge his right name. He is now a well known
fools these mortals be.''
theatrical manager famous for his chalk talk and missionary work throughout
The last time 1 saw this tellow was when he shook my hand and bid me
New England twenty years ago.
good bye at the steamboat whart the following morning, saying in all sinAt the deacon's invitation I accompanied him to the tent which I found
cerity: " God bless and speed you safely dear boy to your destination."
well filled with ladies and children.
Truly, some men have a double nature, the real and the acquired.
The chalk talk by means of a blackboard and numerous colored crayons
A continuation of this article will be published next month.
was really entertaining. The speaker drawing rapidly a picture of a cross so
R e a d e r a n d Smith, magicians, are p l a y i n g s u m m e r resorts for t h e
artistically with the various colored crayons, that it really appeared to be a
summer. Mr. R e a d e r is an exceptionally clever e n t e r t a i n e r .
work of art, saying meanwhile: Children, what is this?

flDabatma.
FROM OUR BOSTON CORRESPONDENT.

address him care American Consul, Calcutta. Mr. Redan certainly

has a host of friends in the profession, and will carry with him their
The hot weather has driven most of the exponents of magic to the well wishes for his continued success and prosperity.W. D. LKROY,
seashore and mountains, so few are seen about the " Hub."
Eddy Odell, the acrobatic tramp and juggler, appeared at Oakland
Park, Augusta, Me., week of 13-19 of July, Island Garden, Lewiston,
Me., week of 22d, opening at Austen & Stone's Museum, Boston, week
of 20th. He is booked to appear with Manchester's French Folly Co.
this coming season.
Alburtus and Bartram, expert club jugglers, were seen at Keith's
new theatre, week of July 15th.
Astarte, the illusion, opened at Austen & Stones, in curio hall, |uly
15th for four weeks.
Mercer, magician, was at Austen & Stones weeks of July ijth-and
22d. He goes with Kickapoo Medicine Co. week of 29th.
Bunth & Rudd. the English comic conjurers have finished their
rehearsals at Lawrence, Mass., and open the season with Cosgrove &
Grant at Portsmouth, N. H.. Aug. 12th, for one week; Opera House,
Lawrence, week of 19th, following which they play the New England
circuit. These gentlemen introduce a very funny act, and are certainly one of the cleverest teams in the business.
We are recently in receipt of several curious magical photographs
of Mr. David Devant, now at Egyptian Hall, London. Among which
is one of Mr. Devant and his spirit wife, and from the accompanyingpress clippings it is evident that Mr. Devant is one of the most original, skillful and entertaining conjurers ever engaged by Maskelyne &
Cook at their famous Egyptian Hall.
Mr. A. W. Eaton, magician, is doing the summer resorts, and enjoying himself as usual.
T H E COOK.
Prof. Howard, the magician, is playing the small towns in Maine,
This figure is produced by using hands separately. A piece of card
cut in the shape as shown in the engraving forms the cap. The left
during the summer.
A letter just received informs us that Mr. Harry Redan, the clever hand with the card is held with the back towards the light, quite
close tf> it so as to enlarge the shadow. The right hand is placed bemagician and illusionist, started the 23d for San Francisco, there to tween the light and the screen distant enough from the left hand to
embark on the Steamer Josepha for Calcutta, India. All friends can
show half of the arm in proportion to the size of the head.
MANUFACTURERS OF

Conjuring Tricks, Illusions,

Ventriloquial Heads and Figures,
Puzzles, Marionettes,
Shadowgraphy,
Chapeaugraphy,
Juggling Goods, Etc.

Professor J. Bland s
MAGICAL PALACE,
.'$5 New Oxford St., London.
MANUFACTURER OF THE

Finest Conjuring Apparatus in the World.

As acknowledged by all the leading Magicians and specially recommended by

PROF. HOFFMAN, the author of "Modern Magic," "More Magic," etc.

The Magical Palace is one of the Sights of London.

N e u c o m p l e t e C a t a l o g u e just p u b l i s h e d , a r t i s t i c a l l y i l l u s t r a t e d , price <><l.
X. B.Xotert for s u p e r i o r i t y o f m a n u f a c t u r e an<l h i g h c l a s s w o r k .

MAGICAL SALOONS
229 HICH HOLBORN, LONDON.
Established 1 7<iO.
THE CHEAPEST HOUSE IN THE WORLD
KpR

SPRING FLOWERS, 6s. 6d.

PER 100.

Best Silk Flowers, IBs. Bd.

'

PER 100.

Grand llliistr.ilril CUUIUKUI-, 7<J" Engravings,

will) .ill llie Ulest novelties.

6cl, Post=free.

ZlDabatma.

IO

MAGIC, ILLUSIONS,
Spiritual Effects, Ventriloquial and
Punch and Judy Figures, etc., etc.
S'inl 10 vts. for tliv finest Catalojjm1 in t he world .
Address, "\A7". H . T. S b a - c c ,
194 Augusta St., Chicago, 111.

M. HERMANN
Kiirfui'stciistrasso G-W
MANUFACTURKK AND INVHNTOR OF

ILLUSIONS.

ILLUSIONS! ILLUSIONS! ILLUSIONS!

Several prominent magicians have commissioned us to offer the following popular Illusions and Apparatus for sale.
is an opportunitv seldom met with to procure reliable illusions that have stood the test before the
public at a figure far below the actual value.
CASSADAGA T*RO PAG A Ti D A,
NOAM'S ARK, OM, PSYCWO,
SARATOGA TRUNK MYSTERY,
OUT OF SIGHT,
C A N N O N , '"' ~-]i""tini; <>\u ;i live lady, suitable fr Circus.

TREE

O F T H E FAl R IE S ,

This

ICARIAN,

a s(

!<-'s<-''il>t'<l in No. 4 of MAIIATMA.

B U N G A L O W '| 'te new and never performed in this enuntry.

FLOWER T A B L E , London make.
T H E B I R T H O F F L O R A , t l l e latest Sensation from the Egyptian Hall, London.
FINE FRENCH CENTRE T A B L E , made by Voisin, Paris.
Prices and particulars will be communicated on application to professionals only, on receipt of last programme or card.

CO.,

MARTINKA
493

York.

I I APIOI AIIO

A T T r i l T i n i l V L E Y I T A T I V / M . ,mo,m.irve,.ous

I MM I B | | |
I ^ a | ^L.
VI mm | | | | | | U I I B

I
MM |

mnuiumilU,

H I I L l l I l U l l . - HEWES, the Masterfilindof Modern Magic.

I ! vl I I I I f
|
| |
| | | | || T

experiment of the Indian Yogi's--a living, breathing, human being actually floats
>n ^P-^<> without nnv viable means of support. This Marvel of Magic is from the

The Latest Sensation "ESCAPED FROM THE DEATH CHAIR."

mft^aJr.

securely slrappctl in the chair and instantly eanishcs, rr-ajipearinu in midst n) audience. Price and particulars on application.

THE LATEST MARVELS IN MAGIC, ANTI-SPIRITUALISM

AND SECOND SIGHT.
tlx rest;.

ONK

I f y o i x -CTT-ant a- xx-*7S7- s e n s a t i o n

IIA I.!' W I T H

OKTVER.

o f a n y ls.ioo.ci, s t a t e y o u r
Addn'SS,

Loob. for

P R O F .

K. D .

ideas.

M E W E S ,

Care MAHATMA

moixtli.

G L STRQH/AENSER J R 493 Sixth

Avenue

V^.

'

L_w V-? 1 1 \ \ - / l 1 / l U I N V j L w l v ^ U l \ . ,
NEW YORK CITY.
DEPOT FOR THEATRICAL HARDWARE AND SUPPLIES.
Genenil Agent for Eastern and Middle States for J. R. CLANCY, of Syracuse, N. Y. Sole manufacturer EXCELSIOR
PROFILE. KEYSTONES and CORNERS. Estimate furnished for all Stage Supplies.

Actors' Protective Union No. 1, of America.

Entertainments, Clubs, Theatres, Roof G

Supplied 'witH Dramatic a n d "Vaudeville

Talent at Shortest Notice.

-A-T'O'Ii E V E H Y T H I N G
I3NT T H E A3VITJSEME3VT
CALL OK W R I T E :

JOE!

XJI3NTE.

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143 4 t h Avenue, New Yoi*k.

ii

/Ifcabatma.
FLOWER BANDS.

PROF. WERNERT,
MAGICIAN
Address M AH ATM A.

Nigger, Nigger, Nigger, Neber Die.

N . n i , ' a n d C.ln.ru^ h v W I L L

ELMER

TlI MUSIC BOXYffi? 1

Positively the best on the markethold flowers even and securereleases

them by
11>c- each, or three for
le
yslight
g pressure.
p
Si.00. With improved device whereby loading is a matter ol
ease, with hands and cone away from body and sleeves rolled
up (wets or 2 lor one dollar. 'Registered letter, post office or
express order. Address.
C. B. SHINDF.l ,
B
M t i h (.hunk, I'.i.

Bright and Catchy.

12th Season.

1 Yl.l

The Biggest Hit of the Season.

P.RANSOM

Send

i< r e n t s t o

Chiis W. Plumb, Publisher,

Professionals, 10 cents.

Address, 172 South t-jth Street, Brooklyn.

For

2 9 PARK ROW, N. Y.

! * T u n e s Unlimited.

AUHARBACH & CO.. 8C9 Filbert

NEW TRICKS.
Y.'ti1 100 'Page 'Pictorial Catalogue, with 'Pictures of Leading Vrofesswnah.

LATEST EUROPEAN NOVELTIES.

Magic, Second Sight and Anti-Spiritualism. Up
to date. Send i sc. for same. No free list.

Sale or Exchange.
Hx 74, Peru, Illinois

DtAl.tR IS

ANI>
MALE
S c i - I FOR
Iliu
rlt:
OK KXOIIANSK

J3LANTERNSWANTEDt St..'Philada.,
" " " " Pa.
""

W. D. LEROY,

F u e l i n g Goods, Shadowgraphs, New Illusions,

Magical Tri<ks, etc.
SLND FOR LIST. Address,

A. ROTERBERC,

101 COURT STRF.F.T, BOSTON, MASS.

America's Most Original Magician.

IMRO FOX,
THE FAMOUS

KKMDVKI) T O

145 Illinois Street,

CHICACO, ILL.

ffomtjr (Tmtitsm*
I'KKMANKNT AhDRFSS :

CATALOGUE OF OVER 400 NEW AND STANDARD

TRICKS, 10 cents.

LIST OF HUNDREDS OK DECIDED BARGAINS IN

FINE USED APPARATUS FRKE.

f "MAHATMA" always on sale at mv

Py

493

SIXTH

AVENUE, NEW YORK.

i'.jrtr MAHT1NKA & C o

Kstablishment.

Mail Orders for MAHATMA promptly attended to.

WITH YOUR ADVERTISEMENT PRIS'IH) ON THEM,

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O

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0
:t'J5 W a r r e n S t r e i - t , B r o o k l y n , N . Y.

All kinds of Printing at reasonable prices.

JUST FROM THE PRESS, THE RED

MYSTERIES OF FIRE

A n e w b o o k , just o u t , explaining all uf t h e n e w experiments of Fire Ki

SPECIAL': ! :

P r i i - o , ."><> t s .

TO

SHADOWGRAPH APPARATUS.

I am now putting up a special $5.00 HRK KING OUTFIT. This uutlil i- the neatest and cheapest pi.ictu.jl outfit ever pu
on sale in this country. It contains everything necessary to perform all the leading '"hire Tricks." It is suitable for Stage 01
Drawing Room Entertainments. Each outfit is put up in a handsome casket, including a complete book explaining 28 of the bes
Fire Tricks, so that "ANY ONE" can perform them with very little pn
practice. Address
1 0 0 L a S a l l e A v e n u e , C h i c a g o , 111., U. s . A .

33.
llanai;rr

T 1 1 I O l'.< 11 I > N O V K I . T Y

<()

WANTED OLD AND NEW BOOKS

MAGIC, SPIRITUALISM, etc.
IX A L L L \ X < ; r \ < i i ; s .

W. E. R O B I N S O N ,

CABINET OF

SKNIJ N A M K S

These Cabinets comprise a complete set of properties used in

tlie production of shadow pictures, together with a fully Illustrated Book of Instructions showing the shadows and position
of the hands and fingers. The properties numbering 20 pieces
are put up in a handsome box, which is sent free of charge on
receipt ol (XJ cents.

MARTINKA & CO.,

MANUFACTURERS,

.4cr, SIXTH AVENUE.

AND l ' K I C K S .

Care Maliatma, i!)3 Sixlli Ave., New Vork.

ROBERT ANKELE.
CREATOR OF ORIGINAL DESIGNS AN-'D M^KE'T{ OF ECONOMICAL
TL^IFFS.
3O6 WEST 22D STREET, NEW YORK.

Designs Created and Economical Printing Plates furnished for the

JUDICIOUS <S1-DVERT1SING OF JtLL THE^T%1C^L
<ANT> CONCERT BUSINESS.
Pen Drawing, Wash Drawing, Half Tone.

BETTER, CHEAPER AND MORE CONVENIENT THAN LITHOGRAPHS

PLATES CAN BE CARRIED EN-ROUTE, AND SHEETS PRINTI I) HY ANY I'ftlNTF.K
THE COUNTRY AS YOU NF.F.I) THEM.

NEW ! !

THROUGHOUT

Estimates, proofs and practical information cheerfully furnished upon application.

Original designs created and submitted upon receipt of deposit covering the bare expens
of same. Designer and engraver for "Mahatma.'
Letter Heads, Cards, Dodgers. Hangers and Posters.
TOTiTRAITS A SPECIALTY.
TERFECT LIKENESS GU^ARANTEE'T).

NEW YORK.

MIUKIN & LAWLbY'S,

DEALER IN MAGIC AND OPTICAL GOODS,
16s Strand, London, England.
J. THEOBALD & CO., '
0 and 7 Bath Place, Kensington High Street, London, W.
DEALERS IN MAGICAL APPARATUS, NOVELTIES,
SPORTING GOODS, Etc.
Send tor Catalogue.

D. GODINO,
ARTISTIC THEATRICAL SHOEMAKER,
BOOTS, SHOES, DANCING SLIPPERS, ETC.

ALL GOODS GUARANTEED PERFECT.

IOOJ2 W. 25th St., New York.
One clour from tith Avenue.

tfbabatma.

Jtom giving*
PLAYING ONLY THE LEADING FIRST CLASS THEATRES.
NOW BOOKINC SEASONS OF '96, '97, '98.
SOME <)F THE MANY ORIGINAL CREATIONS
PRESENTED BY " P O W E L L . "
Suggested by the cave scene in Kider Haggard's novel
" S H E . " f t n a l name, and presented tor the first time at 'HI
teatro Baralt, Maracaibo, Venzuela, S. A. A beautit'u
woman apparently burned to ashes in full view of the audience.
AFTER THE FLOOT) OR THE ARK OF NOAH.
Founded on the biblical legend of Noah and the Ark, in which a
coterie of wild and domestic animals are used, culminating with the
production of a beautiful woman, dressed as a sea nymph.
RA-VID TR-ANSIT OR SUBSTITUTION.
POWELL'S latest version of the great Hindoo mystery.
THE CABINET OF PHAU^TACMS OR THE VAC- 4'R.IES
OF 'MO'DERO^ SPIRITUALISM
A novel Cabinet Seance ending outside the lines of such productions.
fMAHATM-A'S MIRACLES.
The materialization of life, and shadows from the Spirit world.
METAMORTHOSIS.
The substitution ot a beautiful American girl for a live Indian.
THE MISSING DRI-DE.An entirely new illusion.
ICAK.IAN, O'X F-ROm THE EARTH TO THE SUN.
Hrst produced by Powell at the Q_ueen's Theatre, Montreal, Candi, Sept. 22d, 1893.
The Hindoo Ladder Mystery, Crystal Casket of Mahomet, A
Tribute of Flora, Thle Cave of the Orient, The Light of Asia, La
Seince de Suggestion, etc., etc.
POWELL'S Latest for the coming season:
THE -.ASTRAL 'HODY.
An entirely new and original production, embracing new principles
never before utilized in illusions.

Tour opens August 26th,

EVERYTHING \NEW.
Watch Future
Announcements.

POWELL,"
of Btobern

Address all communications to

B.

New York Office:

A . M Y E R S , Manager

NO. 5 1 WEST 28TH STREET.

Rooms 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

M A R T I N K A & CO.,7

AND lP0r[l'EF|S OF

: N[AGJGAh i\PPARATUS,
493 SIXTH
LA K G K ST

AND

MOST

AVENUE, NEW YORK.

COMPLETE
list

THIS

STOCK

OF"

FINE

APPARATUS

COUNTRY.

apparatus of cvcr^ kino mabc to orber.

Our complete fully illustrated Book Catalogue with 500 engravings and description of every Trick and Novelty
up to date, will be sent on receipt of 15<-. Illustrated Catalogue of Parlor Tricks free on application.

IMPORTANT TO MAGICIANS.
Since the issue of the new tariff we have reduced the price of extra fine Figured Felt, imported specially for
Magicians' table coverings, fmm 4 O cents to 2 5 cents per square foot. Send 2 cent stamp for Samples.

NEW ADDITIONS.
2STe"\7VNew book by
Old. a n d
and fully illustrated, 394 pages, 1.50.
A perfectly modeled hand is shown
n Hail
and placed with the linger tips on top of a pack of cards contained in a
transparent goblet. At tfoininuiid the hand picks out auv chosen card
from the pack while the performer is amongst the audience, 80-00.^^^^
Detachable Magician's Pocket.-Useful for getting rid and pro- <^
ducing articles like handkerchiefs,, eggs, bowls, etc. Can betaken ^
off and put on instantly, $1.30.
Palming Apparatus for Billiard ^
Balls, Eggs, etc. With the help of this apparatus any one can
perform the feat of palming round articles with ease, 00 cts.
eS

Pi'ol't-,^11- H n l l ' m u i i : b e a u t ii'ully b o imd

ANU

"

THB ONLY PAPER IN THE UNITED STATES DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF MAGICIANS, SPIRITUALISTS, MESMERISTS, ETC.

NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER, 1895.

FREDERICK EUGENE POWELL.
FREDERICK EUGENE POWELL, professionally known as "The
Great Powell," who is the subject of our illustration for the
present month, was born in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love," and the birth place of "The Declaration of Independence."
His early education was begun in a private, and afterwards
:arried on in the public schools of that City. At the age of
seven he was taken to see the magical performance of the
then celebrated Signor Blitz, who
had for a long period held sway
at his "Temple of Wonders" in
the old assembly buildings at the
corner of 10th and Chestnut Sts.
That performance planted the
germ that was to produce the future magician, for from that period
Powell's mind was bent on the
study and practice of magic, and
even at that early age he earned
the title of " The Magic Man,"
among his playmates, owing to
his success in the performance of
some juvenile tricks.
In the latter part of 1865 his
parents removed to Chester, Pa.,
and Powell was sent to continue
his studies at the Chester Academy where he acquitted himself
with high honors. It was during
this time that he gave his first
public performance of which the
following is a criticism taken from
the "EVENING NEWS," the principal daily of the town.
"Last Friday evening was the
time for the regular monthly lecture before the Students' Union,
of Chester Academy. But on
this occasion it was replaced
by a unique entertainment given
by Mr. Frederick E. Powell, a student of the Academy,
who for more than an hour entertained the large audience
with a series of tricks of sleight of hand, rapid movements
and curious chemical transformations, that completely bewildered and astonished them. His tricks with cards were
most of them new, and were all remarkable, the feats in
which he displays his remarkable memory, were curious instances of the degree of perfection to which that attribute of
the mind may be developed. He was greeted throughout
the evening with rapturous applause, and his tricks were

SINGLE COPY, IO CENTS

conceded to equal those of the professionals, and yet time

prevented the exhibition of more than half that had been arranged for the evening. Mr. Powell is but sixteen years of
age, and forone so young, succeeded beyond all expectation."
Shortly after this Powell joined a magician by the name of
Willis with whom he traveled for a short period. But preferring to be independent he closed with Willis and traveled
on his own account with varied success, discontinuing his
tours in 187^ to enter the Pennsylvania Military College from
which he was graduated, June 21st, 1877, with the degree
of C. E. and the rank of Lieutenant, and owing to his having been
one of six cadets who carried the
highest grade for the year, his
name was handed to the Governor
of the State, and he was selected
to write and deliver the Honorary
Oration on Commencement Day.
Powell now entered upon a
mercantile life, and with two
partners began the manufacture
of a pigment for paint from an
oxide of iron, which was obtained from a mine near Reading, Pa.,
with a mill for it's manufacture
at Germantown, and a store and
office at 205 Arch Street, Phila.
This venture not proving the
financial success expected, Powell
withdrew and.began a series ot
entertainments at the theatre corner of 9th and Arch Streets, which
was managed at this time by
Geo. Wood.
His program at this time contained besides all the best general
features of the day, a special act
of "Second Sight" in which he
was assisted by his brother Edwin.
A Spiritual Seance and the Indian
Box and Spirit Sack worked on a
new principle.
The "Second Sight" was perhaps Powell's strongest card,
as Robert Heller had just died at the Continental Hotel in
Philadelphia, and his performance of " Second Sight " with
his sister Haidee Heller had created a real furor and no one
but Powell had appeared to continue the act.
It will be remembered that the main building of the Centennial Exhibition had been leased at the close of the National
Fair by a company of Philadelphia gentlemen and turned into what was called the Permanent Exhibition.
About this time arrangements were made with the various

1VI
SOLE AG'EWTS1 F(2B A '" MAHATMA
MAG&ZIITE- OF
29, ^
RATES OF ADVERTISEMENTS.-Twenty cents per line, nonpareil type measure; space of
one inch $2.40 each insertion. A deduction of 20 per cent, is allowed on advertisements when
paid for three months in advance, and on advertisements measuring 50 lines or more.
For Sale or Exchange column, 15 cents a line. Copyrighted March, 1895.
Remittances should be made by cheque, post office or express money order, or registered
letter.
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.

can be purchased in London only at Hamleys,

226 High Holborn, dealer in magical apparatus.
MAHATMA

THb LAT.

Replace the sleeve on the left arm and hold at right ends,
close the hand, back toward the light, the first and little fingers hold higher than the others to form the ears. Place
right arm over the left, holding with the hand the elbow of
the right hand, the extended first finger forming the tail.
WORDS FROM EDWARD F. KNOWLES.
We received a very pleasant visit from Mr. Edward L.
Knowles, of Bristol, R. I., formerly with Anderson, the
Wizard of the North.
In speaking of various conjurers, Mr. Knowles says: "I
have from boyhood been deeply interested in the Mystic Art
becoming a skillful performer in the old school of " Magic,"
which, in many respects, 1 still prefer to the new.
Besides Prof. Anderson, I was personally well acquainted
with his rival, Andrew McAllister, who was also a Scotchman; the original Signor Blitz, and the inimitable Robert
Heller, also many others of lesser name and fame.
The most skillful performer I ever saw, as regards dexterity, was Herrmann the elder. Anderson was probably the
greatest of all the older performers, in his style of entertainment, he did not pretend to great dexterity, depending more
upon apparatus; all of his feats were of the large effective
kind, and his apparatus was the most showy and splendid
1 ever saw on any stage. He was a large, very fine looking
man, and as a performer, in his style, was superb.
But as an entertainer, 1 think Robert Heller never was
equaled; as a magician he was as clean and skillful as the
best, and was also a first class pianist; he had an inexhausti-

ble fund ot original wit and humor, always retined, and was
withal so easy and finished in everything he did, that his entertainments had an indescribable charm. His best trick
was the "Second Sight," and of that he was the master. A
good sketch of him, and Anderson, also others of the old
school, would be of interest to many readers of "MAHATMA."
The oriental "Occultism" of which we hear much, offers a
wide field for some one who has studied it, and 1 would like
to see some article on it in "MAHATMA." It claims a knowledge of occult laws of nature, which if applied properly,
would dwarf into common place all the boasted wonders of
recognized science, and make "Magic," magical indeed."
W. 1). LHROY.
FREDERICK EUGENE POWELL.
Continued from 1st page.

School Boards of the City for the teachers and children to visit the
exhibition, a certain district going each day. Various entertainments
were arranged, such as lectures on the exhibits, practical illustrations
of glass making, concerts on the Grand Organ, etc., and as a climax
Powell was engaged to give his entertainments daily at 3 P.M. This
engagement covered a period of seven weeks, at the close of this engagement, Geo. Wood, not the Geo. Wood previously mentioned, but
Wyman's old agent, Wyman having died a short time previous, proposed to Powell a tour of the Southern States, and this was successfully made under Wood's management. Powell then took his entertainments to New York, Baltimore and Washington, running in the
latter city for six weeks, when hot weather compelled him to close
his season.
Upon his return home Col. Hyatt,commandant of the Pennsylvania
Military College tendered him the intermediate Chair of Mathematics which he accepted and held for three years. It seemed now as
though he had left the stage forever, as the high esteem in which he
was held at the College, and the studies which suited his taste, all
combined to offer advantages that would tend to make his position
permanent, but Providence overruled his desires, and a serious illness
produced in part by the sedentary employment and study compelled
him to relinquish his Professorship, and place himself under medical
treatment. This illness lasted with greater or less severity for a p e r i ^ of over two years during which time Powell was twice compelled to
enter the Medico Chirurgical Hospital in Philadelphia, where he underwent several surgical operations for hemorrhage. At last the
trouble was conquered, but the long idleness and its entailed expenses
had so far diminished his resources that he had in a measure to begin
life afresh, so he joined for the season of '85 and '86 George Wilson's
minstrel troupe, and closed the show for him, presenting as a feature
his original "Cremation" scene preceded by an act of magic, and in
the summer of '86 he traveled with Barnum and Bailey's " Greatest
Show on Earth," presenting his Cremation Act in the concert. The
close of this engagement leaving Powell free to act upon his own re"
sources he engaged Mr. Frank Majilton, one of the original Majilton
family, originators of the legmania and grotesque style of dancing
and with Mr. John Crook as Manager, and other needful help sailed
via "Red D''Linefrom New Yorkto Venezuela. This tour embraced
along journey through Venezuela, Curacoa and the West Indies, and
was brought to a successful close by a return to New York direct
from La Guyra, when an engagement was made with the management of the Eden Musee, New York, for Powell and his Company.
Boutier de Kolta had just closed a four months' run on the Musee
stage, when Powell took possession and held sway with unvaried success for six continuous months, when much to his own, and the managements regret, he was compelled by previous engagement to close,
and go direct to Minneapolis where he had been engaged to give
his performances at the Industrial Exhibition for four weeks, following this comes three successful seasons which include engagements
at most of the principal Theatres in the United States, and the Provinces of Canada, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
During the summer just passed Powell has been busy changing
and improving his program, and has just started on what promises
to be his most successful year, with everything new, and the most
complete outfit ever placed upon the stage.

flDabatma.
T H E ACE MARTIN DECEPTIVE COIN RAP.
Performer pulls up left sleeve and places coin from right hand into
left hand which he partly closes keeping back of that hand towards
audience; performer now takes wand and taps coin to further convince them that it is there, when lo! it has actually vanished, left
hand front and back being shown with ringer spreadit has flown.
Explanation.Take borrowed half dollar marked or palming coin
by tips of second and ring fingers and thumb of right handthrow it
into left hand two or three times then suddenly palm the coin by
placing it in right hand by considerable force, ring finger of right
hand doing the most work, grasp coin in hollow of handby'the two
fleshy portions, all the time moving right hand toward the left which
is partly opened to receive supposed coin, make a veryslight sucking
noise with the tongue well moistened on roof of mouth, at the same
time make a very slight sound with left thumb similar to snapping
thumb but less perceptible. The above both sounds should coincide
and audience will at once think they heard coin slap palm of left
band.
Now take your wand which should have metal ends from beneath
left arm pit with handle pointing- downwards so that audience may
not see that you have palmed a coin in right hand, and now for
the mysterious part of this sleight, take the wand with one end not
across palm, but just within it, so that if the index and second finger
and thumb of right hand act as a fulcrum, you can make metal end
of wand strike coin in right hand and audience although they cannot
see coin in left hand, yet they are fully satisfied that it is there because of its sound. Remember that the wand in the striking act
does not touch left hand at all but is checked by other end of wand
striking coin ; also remember that the left hand is roofed over by its
fingers, look sternly and seriously at its center then close left hand,
look worried and imagine that it contains a cracker and crumble at it
with drawing hand away from side of body, open hand slowly spreading your fingers as far as possible but keep index and second fingers
of left hand in contact and show palm of hand boldlysomebody will
think "their on" and then slowly spread your fingers apart and show
front and back and produce coin from tie, moustache or hat.
Prof. Fred Hurd, the well known Bridgeport magician, has just
filled a week's engagement at the Bon Ton, Jersey City, his act was
a big hit. The Professor is now playing at Koster & Bial's for the
week of Sept. 2d.

THE ARTIST.

This is rather a complicated hat to look at, but really is not

hard to make, and once you have mastered the twists it will
be found very simple and a most effective character.
FROM OUR CHICAGO CORRESPONDENT.
Mi. Elmer Ransom, the New York magician, stopped in
this city before returning East. Mr. Ransom filled several
successful dates while in this part of the country.
Mdlle. E. M. Martelle, the lady magician, has signed with
the McCaul Opera Co.'s "Said Pasha." The company is
booked solid for a period of 35 weeks.

Mr. Roterberg who has established a conjuring entertainment bureau in connection with his magical business, desires
Chicago magicians to book with him, -said booking being
free of charge. His object is to popularize magic, and to establish a permanent place where people in search of such an
entertainment can apply.
Prof. Hornmann left here Aug 17th to play the Moore circuit. He goes to Detroit, Rochester and Toronto. Mr. Chas.
Carter plays the same circuit one week later, he will then
proceed to Atlanta, Ga., where he owns some space at the
Atlanta Exposition grounds, on which Mt. Carter will most
likely erect a building for a magical show.
Mr. O'Shea, the clever prestidigitateur and hypnotist ot
Lincoln, Neb., will hereafter make his home in Chicago.
Mr. T. Lambert, the well known electrician, mechanician
and magician, has just returned from a two weeks trip to
Iowa. The trip was such a success financially that Mr. Lambert contemplates taking to the road.
Siegfried Melohn, our popular entertainer, is taking an extensive pleasure trip, going from here to Montreal, Boston,
New York, etc.
Prof. Herbert Albini, the acknowledged king of cards filled
a two weeks engagement at the Orpheus, which was formerly known as Engel's Pavilion.
Prof. Zarro with his new assistant left for Cincinnati, to
fill a date at the Vine Street Museum.
Prof. Lafayette, the French magician, played the Kohl &
Middleton Musee's weeks of August 18th and 2^th. Mr.
Lafayette is manager of the big headed boy.
Prof. Harrington has returned from a trip through the west,
and is taking a much needed rest. The Professor is ably assisted by Miss Tyler.
Prof. Ernest, the Danish magician, and Mons. Bernier, left
for New York city.
Prof. Adams in his magical and spiritualistic entertainment
concluded a two weeks engagement at the London Musee.
Prof. Wernert's season opens in the beginning of September. Mr. Wernert will play through Illinois.
Mr. Patterson, a clever Chicago magician has returned
from a pleasure trip through northern Wisconsin.
Ganellean, the French illusionist, has cancelled his engagement at the Globe Museum and will present his new act at
Hall's Casino, Sept. 1st. Mr. Ganellean will introduce several elaborate tricks of his own invention. After his Casino
engagement Mr. Ganellean goes to the Olympic Theatre.
The Tennis Theatre (formerly Jacob's Clark street) opened
Aug. 5th. During the season the following magicians will
appear, Bamello, Hornmann and Chas. Carter.
Mr. Youngheart, professionally known as Signor Blitz,
left here to fill engagements through the country, playing
medium sized towns only. Sig. Blitz is accompanied by a
specialty troupe, among which is Miss Virginia Knapp.
Oscar Eliason, the Mormon wizard of Salt lake, Utah, will make a
tour of the principal theatres of the west this coming season.
Philip Claudi, Kellar's clever assistant has returned from his annual visit to England. He reports a great demand for MAHATMA'S in
London.
Prof. Harry M. Helms, the famous conjurer and juggler of New
London, Wis., late of Zan Zic's Co., is now playing the Northwest
under the management of Mr. Ben Evers, and reports good business.
The following people are connected with the Company: Prof. Helms,
Mille. La Belle, Prince Ko Ko and Igawas troupe of Yokohoma Japanese. Prof. Helms new illusion "Electrocution" is meeting with
big success. Miss Fannie Leslie, the famous lady contortionist, will
join the company Sept. ist.
Prince Albene and Miss La Brant are at Huber's last week of
August, Harlem Museum Sept. 2-9. They are doing an original act
of their own called Transmission of Thought. They are well booked
up for the coming season,

ZlDabatma.
FROM OUR BOSTON CORRESPONDENT.
Markos Modern Miracles Company will open
their season Sept. oth, at Halifax, N. S., to be
followed by dates in cities of the Maritime
Provinces until Oct. 4th, when he closes in
Canada to open a month's engagement at
Washington, D. C , Oct. 7th. Markos was
formerly well known throughout the East as
Prof. W. E. Skinner. Two years ago he
changed his stage name to Markos, and since
that time another performer has appropriated
the original name. The feature of his repertoire is genuine hypnotism; he also produces
the cabinet mysteries, mental phenomena, illusions, and other wonders. The Williams Trio, world renowned English bell ringers will
travel with Markos this season, it being their fourth annual engagement with him. Mr. J. Fred Payne, last season with Sousa's band,
will be advance representative. Mr. Bob Bragg, who was with Stock,
the magician, last season, will look after the properties.
Imro Fox, comic conjurer, appeared at Keith's New Theatre, week
of July 29th.
Prof. Queen and Willie Gray, thought transmissionists, were seen
at Austin & Stones' Museum, week of July 29th.
Harrington, the tramp juggler, appeared at Keiths, week Aug. 5th.
Capt. Jack Sutton writes us from Aukland, N. Z., that he opens
with side show of Fitzgerald Bros. Circus, in November, for a seven
months trip in a new country.
H. P Emerson, of Waltham, Mass., is spending his vacation at
Guild, N. H.
Salvail, with his company appear Sept. 4th, 5th and 6th, at Morrisburg, Ont., St. John's, Quebec, following week, then Lynhurst,
Unionville, Delta and Frankville, at the fairs.
Mr. Frank Colgrove, the jail breaker, appeared at the Lyceum
Theatre, week of Aug 12th.
Mardo, the imperial juggler, opened at Austin & Stones Aug. 19th.
The Loretts, shadowgraphists, were at Keiths, week of Aug. 19th.
The Loretts open Sept. 17th, at Oswego, N. Y., with their company
of players in a new mystery show. Season all filled.
A. O. Duncan,ventriloquist, was at Grand Opera House Aug. 19th.
Miss Anna Eva Fay, opened her regular season at the Grand Opera
House, Indianapolis, Intl., Sept. gth, carrying 12 people.
Mr. Ed. R. Hutchinson, the illusionist, of Atlanta, Ga., opens in
September at the fairs with his illusions.
At the Nickelodeon, opened week of 19th, are to be seen Erskins
and Edgerly, shadowgraphists and comic magic; Bertine, clown juggler and rifle shot; Belle Morrison, in second sight, and Salvail, the
clever conjurer, who keeps them all guessing.
Mr. Albert Eddy, the genial manager of the A P. U., has given up

his position here to accept that of business manager of the Gaiety and
Bijou Theatre at Fall River, Mass., which opens Sept 2d.
Mr. Anton Schatzel of Richmond, Va., visited Boston, purchasing
from LeRoy a handsome set of gold tables.
Prof. S. S. Baldwin with his company opens his season Sept. 9th,
at New Orleans, La. He has specially engaged for the season the
Tally-ho Trio. His tour includes the principal cities of the South
and West. At the close of his American tour he is under contract to
make a European tour, opening in London, England.
Fielding, the clever juggler, is at the old Howard, Aug. 26th.
Mons. Bonita, the big man with electric ears, eyebrows and nose,
and a voice like a tornado, is at the Grand Opera House, Aug. 26th.
Chick Kehoe, club swinger and juggler, is at Grand Museum, 26th.
Mr. Chas. Carter, aided by Corinne Carter, are presenting The
Phantom Bride illusion at Wonderland Musee, Detroit, Mich., Aug.
26th. and at Rochester, N. Y., Sept. 2d.
F. J. Bernier, French illusionist, opens at the Gaiety and Bijou
Theatre, Fall River, Mass., week of Sept. gth.
Prof. Welsh, of Baltimore, is one more to add the Knight's Tour
to his program.
W. W. Durbin, the magician of Kenton, Ohio, is gaining many
very flattering press notices.
Prof. C. D. Pereira, the Cleveland magician, is preparing for this
coming season. He has added several new and original tricks.
Herrmann will open in Montreal, first week of September.
Jewett, the Hartford magician, is well booked for the season.
Kellar opened his season in Detroit, Mich., at the Opera House.
Karl Hertz is booked to open in Hammerstein's New Opera House
in November, with two illusions.
Imro Fox, the comic conjurer, is a drawing card for Donnelly &
Girard's Rainmakers. Fox has been engaged for the entire season.
The Great Powell opened his season at Albany, on Aug. 29th. A
crowded house greeted him on his initial performance.
Clivette, just over from London, is about to start his own show.
Chevalier Thorn has left Vienna for Constantinople, where he will
open for an extended period.
L'Home Masque is repeating his success at the Turkish capital.
Prof. Hartz is expected in New York this winter.
John J. Whalen, the clever magician, is filling local dates.
Horace Golden, the humorous wizard, is playing a return engagement in Philadelphia.
Stephenson, the Brooklyn magician is playing local dates.
Imro Fox is reported to have purchased a brown stone front, be
tween 45th and 46th streets, 5th avenue.
L. Goldsmith, Jr., is selling magicians trunks way down.
It is with regret that we announce the death of Mrs. Adrian C.
Plate, wife of the well known magician of this city.

"'*'

flDabatma.
lid is made to drop, working on hinges and held up by a
catch. For the benefit of those who do not know the idea
That's it, odds and ends, of the paper cone, I would state that part of it, say the rear
nothing in particular, but every- half, is double, and the handkerchiefs placed in one section
thing in general. I will write and cone closed. On opening it again the other half or
of little improvements, sugges- empty section is shown. Now for a card effecttwo plain
tions, etc., on a few old tricks. pieces of board are handed for inspection and are tied together
Let us take the flying handker- with a piece of string. A card is selected, and a corner torn
off of it and given to person to hold, the card is rolled up and
chiefs in the decanters.
In the decanter setting on placed into the pistol, and with it a few tacks. A person is
the table is a glass stopper, but given the two boards to hold, the performer fires the pistol
n o t e n t r e v s0
' '
- The knob or at the boards and asks the person holding them to untie and
ball part of the stopper is glass, take them apart, and on doing so the card minus the torn
^ Ut ^ e s t r a ' # ' l t P a r t ' t n e Por~ corner, is found nailed to one of the boards. The missing
tion that enters the neck of the piece is placed along side of it, and matches perfectly. The
decanter is hollow, there being a nickle plated tube, this con- card drawn is forced, and the piece torn from the corner is
tains the handkerchief. Use very heavy thread for pulling not handed to spectator to hold, but another piece from a
with, braided fishing line is the best. Tie the handkerchief duplicate card which is really the one that appears on the
to this with a light piece of thread; in pulling the handker- board. This card lies on your table face downward, and it
chief into the bottle this thread will break as the handkerchief has tacks pushed through it, the points of the tacks protrudstrikes the bottom of the decanter, this leaves the decanter ing from the back, the performer carelessly lays one of the
free to be picked up. I have seen a device in the table top boards on top of the card and presses down, thus attaching
to cut the thread as the bottle was slid forward before lifting the card to the board, the performer now places the two
it from the table, but I much prefer the heavy thread with boards together, taking care not to expose the card. The
light piece attached. The bottle in the hand can have a gen- rest of the trick explains itself. Card and tacks come out ot
uine glass stopper in it, and the handkerchief pulls out through pistol with a tube on the wand, or pistol can be one that
a half inch hole in the bottom of the decanter, or the decanter shoots from below the barrel.
Here is another almost the same effect, but using a borcan be minus of any deception, and the stopper can be prerowed
handkerchief, the card is lying on the table face downpared as follows: let the top be of glass, and the bottom
nickle plated, the top is hinged to this, allowing it to wards, the back of card is prepared with wax. Handkeropen. The tube is slit up the entire length, this is to chief borrowed and upper half placed over card, the card
allow the thread on the handkerchief to pass through as the forced is a duplicate of one on the handkerchief. The card
stopper is placed in the bottle. Grasp decanter by the neck is placed in the pistol and given to a spectator with instrucand the handkerchief flies out, the top moving on its hinge tions to shoot at the handkerchief when the performer holds
to allow its flight. The top can be on a slight spring hinge it up. The performer now folds lower half of handkerchief
up over upper half, brings the two lower corners to the two
thus keeping it always in position.
In using cords, threads, etc., for pulling in or going through top corners. He now says when you shoot the pistol I will
glassware, have attached to it a piece of clear cat gut, such drop the two front corners of the handkerchief; he does so to
as is used for fishing purposes, this is less likely to be seen illustrate the idea which gives all present a chance to see that
the handkerchief is perfectly empty. He again folds the
through glass and is also stronger.
We will now take Verbeck's trick of the paper cone and handkerchief and holds all the corners, two in each hand,
glass box, where he makes the handkerchief leave the paper same as at first, but when the pistol is fired he drops the
cone and go into a glass box covered with a pocket hand- rear instead of the front corners, this little trick brings the
kerchief. The paper cone is a splendid idea, but the box back of the handkerchief instead of the front into view, and
strikes me as rather suggestive of being made for the pur- of course with it the card which has been there all along.
Here is an improvement on the Sun and Moon, the trick
pose. I use a china plate with a hole cut out of it, the top
being covered with a piece of tin enamelled white and dec- in which two handkerchiefs, a white and a colored one bororated. The bottom of plate is also covered with tin with a rowed, the assistant is asked to mark them, he does so with
circular hole in it, and closed by round door. It is hinged by a knife. The performer holds the end of each handkerchief
a spring hinge and held closed by a catch working through in his hands and offers the centre of handkerchief to be markthe top of the plate. The opening in the tin bottom is a ed. The assistant cuts the center out of it and when the
trifle smaller than the hole in the plate, so as to prevent a handkerchiefs are mended the wrong handkerchiefs are found
mended, but with the red piece on the white handkerchief,
round piece of lead in there from falling out.
The handkerchiefs are placed in the hollow part of the and the white piece on the colored. The handkerchief is
plate and when the catch is released the leaden weight forces now rolled up and handed to assistant and the performer
the handkerchief out into a glass goblet over which the plate makes a few passes over them, takes them back and they are
was placed. The whole being covered with a borrowed found to be restored. It is hardly necessary to say that the
handkerchief. If a person should prefer to use the box, it handkerchiefs were changed after being rolled up for the
can be improved by having the lid or cover doubled, and of original borrowed ones, and those handed to the assistant.
course of glass, and about one-quarter of an inch or less be- This move always necessitates the turning to one side as the
tween the two. Cemented to the top lid on the inside, un- change is made, and looks bad. Now for my idea, instead
derneath, is a strip of black cardboard running completely of giving the assistant a knife to mark the handkerchief, I hand
around all four sides, but one-quarter of an inch away from him a lead pencil, the point being broken I sharpen it for him,
the edge. This leaves a narrow box or compartment one- and hand the knife back by mistake, he cuts the handkerquarter of an inch wide around the edge of the lid. Now chiefs, but only one corner off. The handkerchiefs are mendon the outside of each lid paste black paper or paint the glass ed and the wrong corners are seen. They are now rolled up
black, so as to hide handkerchiefs. Paste paper on all cor- and not changed and handed to assistant, when unrolled are
ners of box so as to correspond with the lid. The lid and found all right. I have two triangle bags size of cut pieces,
all the box can be freely shown empty. The handkerchiefs a white and a colored one, these are slipped over end of handare never suspected of being concealed around the edges, and kerchiefs and held by wax/as the handkerchief are rolled up
when the box is covered over with handkerchief, the bottom the pieces are slipped off and palmed.
ODDS AND ENDS.

|H at) at ma.
trunk, which is closed and locked and the padlock sealed.
Some obliging spectators then aid in tying the trunk, around
A trick known by the name of the Indian Trunk, the Mys- which the rope is passed twice lengthwise, beginning at the
terious Trunk, the Packers Surprise, etc., formerly had much side opposite the opening part. The rope is then passed
success in theaters of prestidigitation. This trick, which over this part and runs in the axis of the pivots. Then the
may be presented in several ways, is consequently executed trunk, for the convenience of tying, is tilted upon the end
by difierent means, one of which we shall describe.
where the rope passes. It is then that the assistant inclosed
The following is in what the experiment consists: The in the interior presses the bolt. The end of the trunk then
prestidigitator has a trunk brought to him, which he allows has a tendency to open, and as the prestidigitator has taken
the spectators to examine. When every one is certain that care to tilt the trunk at a carefully marked point of the stage
it contains no mechanism, a person comes upon the stage floor, the movable end meets in the latter with an exactly
and enters the trunk. It is found that he fills it entirely, and similar trap that opens at the same time, and it is through
the cover is shut down. A spectator locks the trunk and these two traps that the invisible vanishing takes place.
guards the padlock.
As soon as the assistant has passed through the trap, he
The trunk is afterward wound in all directions with rope, pushes up the latter, and consequently the movable end of
the intersection of the latter are sealed, and the whole is in- the trunk, which closes upon its spring plate bolt.
troduced into a bag provided with leather straps, and which
The time that it takes the man to pass through the trap is
may in its turn be sealed at each of its buckles. When the insignificant, and while the ropes are being crossed the opoperation is finished, the spectators who have aided in the eration might be performed several times. Afterward, there
packing remain on the spot to see that nothing makes its is nothing to be done but to proceed with the experiment
THE MYSTERIOUS TRUNK.

exit from the trunk, which has been placed upon two wooden
horses. The prestidigitator then fires a pistol over the trunk,
which, when divested of its covering, ropes, and unbroken
seals, is found to be entirely empty.
By what means has a human body been able to disappear
without being perceived by the spectators who were constantly looking at the trunk, and, better still, by those who
were handling it an instant before, and who still surround it ?
The whole credit of the trick is due to the cabinet maker
who constructed the trunk. The latter, in the first place, is
exactly like an ordinary trunk, and the closest examination
reveals nothing out of the way about it. Yet one of the
ends, instead of being nailed, is mounted upon a pivot on
the two long sides, so that it can swing. The swinging
motion is arrested by a spring plate bolt. When the person
in the interior presses upon a point corresponding to this
bolt, the pivot becomes free and the end of the trunk swings.
The following is the way that the operation is performed
in order that the spectators may not perceive the opening of
the trunk. The operator's assistant takes his place in the

as we have said, care being taken, however, not to abuse

the complaisance of the spectators, and not allow them to
try the weight of the trunk.
When the vanished person descends beneath the stage,
he is supported by some other individual if the theater is not
well appointed, and by a trap with a counterpoise if the construction of the stage admits of it. This trap permits of expediting things in certain cases of the re-appearance of the
confederate, but is useless in the process described above.
Such is one of the artifices employed. Whatever be the
process, the presentation of it is often complicated by causing
the person who has vanished to reappear in a second trunk
that has previously been ascertained to be empty and that
has been sealed and enveloped under the eyes of the spectators. It will be easily comprehended that the operation here
is inverse to that of the first, and that the confederate beneath
the stage awaits the proper moment to be lifted into the interior of the second trunk, whose movable end is opened
outwardly by the prestidigitator at the desired moment.
Boxes with glass sides also have been constructed. The

flDabatma.
management is the same, but, as the person inclosed is visible up to the last moment, care must be taken to so pass the
ropes as to not interfere with the trap of the trunk, which
then consists of one of the sides, and which operates at the
moment when the trunk, bound with ropes, sealed and laid
upon this side, is about to be wrapped up.
This presentation has still more effect upon the spectators
than the preceding, and seems to present greater difficulties.
THE SAND FRAME TRICK.
The sand frame is a very ingeniously constructed little apparatus which is employed in different tricks of prestidigitation for causing the disappearance of a card, a photograph,
a sealed letter, an answer written upon a sheet of paper, etc.
In appearance it is a simple, plush-covered frame, the back
of which opens with a hinge behind a glass, which, at first
sight, presents nothing peculiar.
In reality, there are two glasses separated from each other
by an interval of 3 millimeters. The lower side of the frame
is hollow and forms a reservoir tilled with very tine blue
sand. In the interior the door is covered with blue paper ol
the same shade as the sand. The card, portrait, or letter
that is subsequently to appear is placed in the frame in advance, but. in order to render it invisible, the latter is held

THE SAND FRAME.

vertically, the reservoir at the top. The sand then falls and
fills the space that separates the two glasses, and the blue
surface thus formed behind the first glass seems to be the
back of the frame. In order to cause the appearance of the
concealed object, the frame is placed vertically with the reservoir at the bottom, and covered with a silk handkerchief.
In a few seconds the sand will have disappeared. The door
that closes the back may be opened by a spectator and the
frame shown close by, provided that it be held vertically in
order to prevent the sand from appearing between the two
glasses.
Fig. 2 shows the frame as seen from behind. The door,
P, is seen open, and at S is seen the sand falling between the
two glasses. In the section at the side, V and V, are the
two glasses, P, the door, and R, the reservoir.
We have supposed here an experiment made by means of

the small foot, A, upon which a spectator has placed the

seven of hearts. The card passes into the frame. To tell
the truth, it is removed by the cover, C, along with the thin
disk, D, that covered the foot, A, and upon which it was
placed. It will be said that we have here to do with a
double bottom. Allow the cover, C, before covering the
card, and the foot, A, after the experiment is finished, to be
examined. Is the cover asked for again ? One will hasten
to show it without saying that the back edge of the table has
just been struck with it in order to cause the disk, D, and
the card to fall on to a shelf.
THE MAGICIAN'S DREAM.
The other night I had a dream that Tilled me with contusion,
I had been reading MAHATMA. that is all about Illusion,
I thought that I had left this earth, and vale of tears, and sighs.
And in a golden Chariot, had passed up into the skies.
I met St. Peter at the gate that guards the heavenly throne.
And told him I a magician was, "said he," this is your home !
And as 1 have time I will show you, that of them there is no dearth,
For all of them they hasten here, where they make the pass from earth.
Now first look o'er this way, at that dapper little feller,
I guess you have seen him oft before, his name is Harry Kellar,
And there standing just behind him, talking to that little German,
The tall dark man, with big moustache, well that is the great Herrmann.
The little man he is talking to, with his hands is very smart.
You must have heard of him on earth, his name is Prof. Hartz.
That pair upon the grassy bank, near which the water's purling,
Are working out a mind reading act, that's Hayden and Dr. Merlin;
While yonder coming through the trees returning from a stroll,
Oh they do hear just as they please ! is Belmonte and Berole,
There's Powell. Hewes, Robinson and Downs, grand magic they can do it,
While that man coming up this way, is the great magician Jewett.
And over there is Edmonds, in magic he is slick,
He has pencil and paper in his hands, he is planning a new trick.
Who's that short dark man that is passing now with a smile that's so serene,
Oh ! he's no magician, that is the great mimic Martyne.
Those two chaps talking over there, neither of them can I name
For on the earth they never shone, and are not known to fame.
But all the time they are arguing until I am quite sick,
And you would think to hear them, that they had invented ever trick,
But I've found out they never did, they are only just two fakirs
Who lived upon magicians, selling secrets through the papers,
By some fake they got in here, they should have gone the other route,
And if they don't stop arguing I will have them both put out.
Just then a dreadful racket rose, who's that knocking at the door?
A magician straight from Canada, with his hair cut pompadour,
From Canada! St. Peter said, what took a magician there?
Besides no one gets in here that pompadours his hair.
And then the knocking louder grew, another heavy stroke,
I thought the door it would come down, and with a start I woke,
And heard a voice say in the hall, "I'll wake him if alive!
It's half past four now by the clock, and the train it starts at five."
By F. E.

Clayton J. Hicks, the young magician of Auburn, N. Y., is at present filling local dates.
Victor Barreal, the Providence magician, was at the Star Theatre,
Providence, R. I., a week in August, and made a decided hit.
Harry Shagren, the young magician of Minneapolis, Minn., is
gaining considerable reputation as a clever and pleasing performer.
Prof. Frank Atkinson, the juggler, is resting for the summer at
his home in Saco, Me. He is engaged for Dick Hartz' Specialty Co.
for next season.
Petitt & Green of Springfield, 111., are hard at work perfecting their
latest illusions; they will tour Illinois this season. Petitt assisted by
his wife do a very clever turn together. Prof. Green the spirit medi_
um has a good act. No magician has visited here for a long time,
Sherry's Busy World, an ingenious exhibition of automatic figures,
exhibited upon a stage 5 by 10 feet, represents a country village;
the figures are about 2 inches in height and go about their various
trades in a perfectly natural manner. Trains are seen to enter through
a tunnel, the doors are opened by automatic figures, and in fact
everything is life like throughout. It is claimed that the inventor,
Mr. Sherry was 8 years in constructing this scene, and as no mechanical means are visible, it is claimed that it is the finest piece of me.
chanism ever shown in this country.

/IDabatma.
THE LAND OF HUMBUG.

Can it be, oh, can it be that I have been deceived. At this thought, overcome
by his emotions, he burst into tears.
What could I do, was it my duty to remove the bandage of superstition
CHAPTER 111.
t rom his eyes? Would it not be better for his peace of mind to pretend 1 was
"There are men in the world who make people believe they see things only joking, that 1 was a medium, and that no deception was practiced in
which they do not see.
either case.
RIDER HAGGARD.
While debating this question, not knowing what to do, I was rudely
After a beautiful trip up the lake celebrated lor its unrivalled scenery, I grasped by the hysterical gentleman, who shouted "you must tell me how
arrived duly at Centre Harbor, and again performed to a well pleased audience you deceived me. Prove it beyond a doubt that Foster is a fraud, or I will
of summer guests.
kill you instantlyeither he or you are a devil not fit to live ''
Standing at the hotel desk, lighting my evening cigar after the close of my
So strong a statement could only be from a brain, momentarily insane. I
entertainment, I overheard a party of gentlemen discussing my feats of leger- comprehended this instantly, took in the situation at a glance and proceeded
demain and marvelling much at the success of my spiritual manifestations.
quickly and quietly to carry out my agreement.
Observing that 1 was not recognized, owing no doubt to my having
Calling the bell boy, I requested four fresh envelopes and four blank cards.
changed my evening suit, I lingered for further praise or criticism and overThe same process was gone through as at first. When he had finished
heard the following assertion from one who had evidently not been one of writing the first card and had sealed it in the envelope, I on pretence of seeing
my auditors.
that the sealing was perfect, dexterously changed the envelope for one conGentlemen you may talk as much as you please about remarkable men, but cealed beneath my vest, which I had placed there while he was busy writing
you should see Charles Foster, the wonderful spirit medium of New York.
the card.
Why, what can he do ?
So far nothing was suspicious, as the exchange was instantaneous and no
He can do that which none but a powerful medium can do. With spirit suspicion excited.
eyes he can decipher writing concealed by folds and folds of paper. Not
I also remarked that I desired the envelopes to be as securely sealed asonly this, but the spirits of the departed speak to you through his lips, in possible. Then on pretence of looking out of the window on the moonanswer to the unseen questions written on the folded paper.
lighted lake, while he was writing the messages on the remaining two cards
When I consult him I write on a slip of paper the question I want answer- I quickly and secretly opened the envelope which I had secured, and which
ed, fold it over and over again into a small pellet, then Mr. Foster places it, contained the first written card, and read the words:
still rolled together, to his forehead, and slowly reads it contents word for
"Are honest Spiritualists mistaken? Are all mediums fiauds?"
word, as I have written it.
Easy sailing now. I had mastered the wording of the sealed packet while
Why, said one of the gentlemen, interrupting the speaker, why, sir, the my own envelope called in the parlance of a magician a "ringer," was lying
young man did that to-night.
on the table as a substitute for the one I had opened.
Impossible, said the first speaker. No man can do that but Foster.
I had but too pick up any one of the remaining envelopes excepting my
At this I stepped forward, remarking: "excuse me sir, you are mistaken, substitute, and holding it to my forehead pretend to read:
1
1 also can do the same. '
"Are honest spiritualists mistaken ? Are all mediums frauds?"
Who are you? was the question in reply.
Asking him if this was correct, which he acknowledged, while at the same
1, sir, am the magician who gave the perlormance these gentlemen were time I was tearing open his second envelope, reading aloud: "Are honest
just discussing, I replied.
spiritualists mistaken ? Are all mediums frauds ?" but mentally memorizing
Then sir, if you do as Charles Foster does, you are a medium as well as a the writing on the second card then in hand, which read:
magician, he said.
'" Is Foster a swindler ?"
No sir, like Charles Foster, I am a trickster. There is no such person in
Mentally noting again that the card of the third envelope had written upon
existence as a genuine medium. The so-called mediums are only pretenders it the following:
trading on the credulity of a long suffering but truth seeking people.
'Ms there no hope beyond?"
This undeniable but truthful statement, no matter what people may say to
Then saying that I was about to expose the trick, I would not delay by
the contrary, somewhat startled the gathering, especially the little spiritualist,
giving answers to his questions written on the card, as Foster did, purporting
who cried out:
to do so by spirit influence, but would proceed to complete the trick.
What, you mean to tell me mediums are all frauds, and that you can do
I then picked up the "ringer," placed it against my forehead and read the
what Mr. Foster does without the aid of spirit force?
next concealed card, which apparently contained the words "is there no
Yes, 1 replied, that is just what I do imply, and as you seem to doubt my
hope beyond ?''
ability, 1 here before these gentlemen make you this offer. You pay me the
That is what is written on the card contained in this sealed envelope is it
price which you have paid Mr. Foster, five dollars was it not, and I will dunot, sir?"
plicate the manifestation to your satisfaction, and also teach you to perform
"Most emphatically it is," was the reply.
the same equally as well for ten dollars.
Handing him the envelope, I requested him to break the seal, which he
By jove, I agree to this, exclaimed the now highly excited little Frenchman
did, saying: "Why there is no writing here, this card is a blank." Then I
whom I afterwards learned was a diamond salesman for one of the largest
explained how I had substituted the "ringer" which he now held in his
jewelry establishments in New York.
hand, for the envelope containing the first card he wrote upon, and by secretly
Then let us adjourn to a private room, said I, and we will soon settle it,
knowing what he had written, it was an easy matter to apparently read what
as these gentlemen have seen the trick already performed by me the first of
the other envelopes contained, by always reading one in advance.
the evening.
My explanation which he thoroughly understood fell upon him like a
Asking the clerk for five envelopes and five blank cards, we proceeded to
thunderbolt. Indignation took the place of grief. He vowed vengeance on
the private parlor, and I soon convinced him that others beside Mr. Foster at
Foster and all his ilk, swearing he would return to New York to settle affairs
least were capable of presenting the same manifestation.
with him by the first train in the morning.
After reading the message verbatum, while apparently sealed in the envelNot hearing of Foster dying of violence, I concluded the little Frenchman
opes, 1 inquired if I had performed the manifestation equally as well as Foster.
thought
best to feel satisfied in the belief that he was a dupe no longer. A
You have done it better. Where he used pellets you have used sealed enreward
sufficient
to make any man content.
velopes which could not be duplicated. My God, he exclaimed, don't tell
A
continuation
of this article will be published next month.
me this is a trick of legerdemain, that I have been duped and swindled by
this man Foster whom I consulted weekly, considering him the means ot
Prof. Green is now preparing for his annual winter tour of Canada
converse between my dear departed daughter and myself. Is this Foster in
whom the whole spiritual fraternity places so much confidence, a humbug, with Prof. Clarke, late general stereopticon lecturer and advertiser
a fraud, preying upon the blind faith of his converts. Don't tell me I have in foreign countries for the Canadian Pacific Railway Company.
been deceived. 1 consulted him week after week, and firmly believed that They will make three night and week stands, and give only pure
in his presence that I was near my spirit daughter I loved so much in life. magic and stereopticon shows and are already well booked.
A TALE OF OBSERVATION AND EXPERIENCES.

BY DR. ALBERT MERLIN.

"T

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The Simplest and Host Lock in the Market.

Coin Tricks.

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It defies detection. A chain and explanation with each pair of
Catalogue of Latest
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collar or handcuffs. Address,
T. NELSON DOWNS, King of Koins.
PRINCE ALBKNE, Actors' Protective Union, 143 4th Ave., N. Y. Windsor Block, 2d floor, Marshalltown, Iowa.
MANUFACTURERS OF

Conjuring Tricks, Illusions,

Ventriloquial Heads and Figures,
Puzzles, Marionettes,
Shadowgraphy,
Chapeaugraphy,
Juggling Goods, Etc.

M AM
Professor J. Eland's
MAGICAL PALACE,
35 New Oxford St., London.
MANUFACTURER OF THE

Finest Conjuring Apparatus in the World.

As acknowledged by all the leading Magicians and specially recommended by
PROF. HOFFMAN, the author of "Modern Magic," "More Magic," etc.

MAGICAL SALOONS,
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THE CHEAPEST HOUSE IN THE WORLD
FOR

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Graml Illustrated Catalogue, 700 Engravings,

with all thf Litest novelties.

New complete Catalogue,just published, artistically illustrated, price Gd.

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IPrice <3d, Post=free,

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flDabatma.

IO

MAGIC, ILLUSIONS,

32 in., 34 in., 36 in.. 38 in., 40 in.

A l l sizes a t

NO. I SPECIAL PROFESSIONAL TRUNK

Is a trunk specially adapted for i'rofespional use made of the Beit

Spiritual Effects, Ventriloquial and

Punch and Judy Figures, etc., etc.

Material. Covered with l^anva* and bouDd with Sheet Steel, Has 2
ATOUDII tlie entire Trunk, Top and Bottom. Extra large Steel
! Ciai|>s, Bumpers, etc.,4 large Strap Iron Hinges, Xo. 1 Bolts. Brass L.GOLDSIIITH, JR.
Excelsior Lock. Large Express Handles. This trunk is provided
Theatrical Trunk Works,
with a reuular Compartment Tray. Shipped on receipt of Price.
717 6th Ave.. cor. 41st St.. New York.

Si-ml ] <> cts. for tin- lim-st < 'a t aloi^m- in tin- u or Id .

Address, XTC. H . O". JSlS..-\7f,

l!)t

A l i K l l s t i l S t . , <'liic:iK<>. "

DONALD HUNNS,

M. HERMANN,

Importer of Wild Animals. Snakes a Specialty.

Kiirfurstcnstrassc! (>-W.

THE

FRONT

ONLY RELIABLE HOUSE IN AMERICA.

S T R E E T , N. Y.

MANUKAC.Tl'HI-.K

A M ) 1NVLNIOR OK

UNDER THE BROOKLYN BRIDCE.

ILLUSIONS! ILLUSIONS!

ILLUSIONS!

Sevenl prominent magicians have commissioned us to offer the following popular Illusions and Apparatus for sale.
is an opportunity seldom met with to procure reliable illusions that have stood the test before the
public at a figure far below the actual value.
CASSADAGA PROPAGANDA,
NOAM'S ARK,
SARATOGA TRUNK MYSTERY,

O M , FSYCKO,
OUT OF SIGHT,

This

ICARIAN,

CANNON, fl"' *h""tiiiK out a live lady, suitable for Circus.

TREE OF THE FAIRIES, a s described in No. 4 of MAIIATMA.
B U N C A L O W I quite new and never performed in this country.
FLOWER TABLE, London make.
THE BIRTH OF FLORA, t h e Latest Sensation from the Egyptian Hall, London.
FINE FRENCH CENTRE TABLE, made by Voisin, Paris.
Prices and particulars will be communicated on application to professionals only, on receipt of last programme or card.

CO.,

MARTINKA
493

If APIPI AIIO

etn

Yorli.

ATTrtlTlftll V L E Y I T A T I V M . . * , * 5

Wl I I
I I HI ^
IW| U I I I I fl U

l |
U
I

| U
r I

I I I | U I
HI '

experiment of the Indian Yogi sa living, breathing, human being actually floats
' " -I1'1'-'- without any visible- mum of support. This Marvel of Magic is from the

mnuiuinuu,

n i I L l l I l u l l . ^ HEWES, The Master hind of Modern Magic.

The Latest Sensation "ESCAPED FROM THE DEATH CHAIR."ir*lZrcL!!.

m'fiiii'ly

strapiicil

If y o u
ONE

in the (hair

and instantly

vanishes,

rc-iijipritriny

in midst

uf audience.

Price and jiarticuUns

on

THE
LATEST MARVELSs eINn MAGIC,
s a t i o ANTI-SPIRITUALISM
n of txxx-y Ix.ixAND
a.c3.,SECOND
st.to SIGHT.
your
ceant
Wo

MALI- WITH ORDER.

LOOIL

for

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Address, P R O F " .
3VT,I--^-XSI

n o i t

CL

application.

ideas.

F". D . M E W E S , CareMAHATMA

m o n t h .

NEW

YORK CITY.

DEPOT FOR THEATRICAL HARDWARE AND SUPPLIES.

General Agent for Eastern and Middle States for |. R. CLANCY, of Syracuse, N. Y. Sole manufacturer EXCELSIOR
PROFILE, KEYSTONES and CORNERS. Estimate furnished for all Stage Supplies.

Actors' Protective Union No. 1, of America.

Entertainments, Clubs, Theatres, Roof Gardens,
THE

CALL OK WRITE:

J O E JS/L.

s Manager,

3 i t h Avenue, Nvw York.

/Ibabatmn.
FLOWER BANDS.

PROF. WERNERT,

rsT
MUSIC B
V H T U D H U n l i m e d . See ! Hear I(.'
LANTERNS
;,,V;'v',T, ;>\'.I
NS WANTED
N

Positively the best on the market hold flowers even and secure releases them by slight pressure, ^c. each, or three for
$1.00. With improved device whereby loading is a matter of
ease, with hands and cone away from body and sleeves rolled
up, 60 cts. or 2 lor one dollar. Registered letter, post office or
express order. Address,
C. B. SHINDEL,
Box "571.
Mauch ('hunk, Pa.

MAGICIAN
Address MAHATMA.

Nigger, Nigger, Nigger, Neber Die.

ELMER P.RANSOM

The Biggest Hit of the Season.

Song and Chorus by WII.I. I.YI.E.

Bright and Catchy.

S e n d 3O < < n t s t o

Clias W. Plumb, Publisher,

Professionals, 10 cents.

2 9 PARK ROW, N. Y.

For Sale or Exchange.

Address, 172 South 9th Street, Brooklyn

1 ii$jf$;'UiiH; Goods, Shtuiowgraptis, New Illusions,

Magical TrickH, etc.
SKND FOR LIST. Address,

A. ROTERBERG,
DEALhK ID

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to date. Send 15c. for same. No free list
New Six Changing Card, changes genuinely to 6 different
suits and colors, latest $1.50. New Quadruple Changing Color Card, ace changes color 4 times, $1.00. New Demon Vanishing Silk Handkerchief, vanishes from extended hand, sleeves
up, Latest, $2.00.

W. D. LEROY,

Box 74, IVTU, Illinois.

IO? COURT STREET, BOSTON, MASS.

/mepiea's Most Original Magician,

IMRO FOX,

UUMOVKU TO

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o
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WANTED OLD AND NEW BOOKS

CABINET OF

ON

SHADOWGRAPH APPARATUS.

MAGIC, SFIRITUAUSM,etc.
IN ALL LANGUAGES. SEND NAMES AND PKICES.

Send your photos to me, also photos of prominent magicians at home and abroad, what I
propose to do is after I have received a large number I intend to have the same photographed in a large picture containing all of said photos, thus combining all in one. These
shall be placed on sale for their actual cost. Kindly send all letters in care of MAHATMA.

NEW ! !
These Cabinets comprise a complete set of properties used in
the production of shadow pictures, together with a fully Illustrated Book of Instructions showing the shadows and position
of the hands and fingers. The properties numbering 20 pieces
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receipt of <JO cents.

MARTINKA & CO.,

MANUFACTURERS,

W. E. ROBINSON,

Care Muliiitiila, 493 Sixth Avc, New York.

SIXTH AVENUE.

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DEALER IN MAGIC AND OPTICAL GOODS,
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306 WEST 22D STREET, NEW YORK.
Designs Created and Economical Printing' Plates furnished for the
JUDICIOUS ADVERTISING OF All. THEATRICAL AND CONCERT BUSINESS.
Pen Drawing-, Wash Drawing, Half Tone.

BETTER, CHEAPER AND MORE CONVENIENT THAN LITHOGRAPHS.

PLATES CAN BE CARRIED EN-ROUTK, AND SHEETS PRINTED BY ANY PRINTER
THE COUNTRY AS YOU NEED THEM.

4<n

THROUGHOUT

Estimates, proofs and practical information cheerfully furnished upon application.

Original designs created and submitted upon receipt of deposit covering the bare expense
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Letter Heads, Cards, Dodgers, Hangers and Posters.
TOT{TRAITS A SPECIALTY. TERFECT LIKENESS GUARANTEED.

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DEALERS IN MAGICAL APPARATUS, NOVELTIES,
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SenJ for Catalogue.

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BOOTS, SHOES, DANCING SLIPPERS, ETC.

ALL GOODS GUARANTEED PERFECT.

>^ VV. 2 5 t h St., New York.
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rrr
flDabatma.

Utout Pttfttt
LAYINd ONLY THE LEADING FIRST CLASS THEATRES.
NOW

BOOKINC SEASONS OF '96, '97, ' 9 8 .

Season Booked Solid.

OPENING NIGHT

Only

Albany, N. Y.

THE

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Aug. 29th.

OK

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UNITED STATES and

CANADA.

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Special Features!

POWELL "
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lUiwttv of ptoftrrn
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The Astral Body.

A Great House and a

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APPARATUS

apparatus of cvcvy kino mabe to orber.

Our complete fully illustrated Book Catalogue with 500 engravings and description of every Trick and Novelty
up to date, will be sent on receipt of 1 5 c . Illustrated Catalogue of Parlor Tricks free on application.

IMPORTANT TO MAGICIANS.
Since the issue of the new tariff we have reduced the price of extra fine Figured Felt, imported specially for
Magicians' table coverings, from 4O cents to 2 5 cents per square foot. Send 2 cent stamp for Samples.

NEW ADDITIONS.
F U Z Z l e S O l d a n d "Ne~W.New book by
Professor Hoffman: beautifully bound and fully illustrated, 394 pages, $1-50,
D e m o n
H f l U C i . A perfectly modeled hand is shown
and placed with the linger tips on top of a pack of cards contained in a
transparent goblet. At eouiinand the hand picks out any chosen card
from the pack while the performer is amongst the audience, 6.00.*-' ,
Detachable Magician's Pocket.Useful for getting rid and pro- <_ ~~
ducing articles like handkerchiefs, eggs, bowls, etc. Can be taken - ^
off and put on in.s1nnt.lj1, $1.50.
Palming Apparatus for Billiard
Balls, Eggs, etc. With the help of this apparatus any one can
perform the feat of palming round articles with ease,, 50 cts.

MANUFACTURERS

THB ONLY PAPER IN THE UNITED STATES DEVOTED TO TME INTERESTS OF MAGICIANS, SPIRITUALISTS, MESMERISTS, ETC.

VOL. I. No. VIII.

NEW YORK, OCTOBER, 1895.

DAVID DEVANT AND HIS SPIRIT WIFE.

SINGLE COPY,

10 CENTS.

Mr. David Devant, now performing at Maskelyne & Cooke's

Egyptian Hall, London, is so well known by reputation
to all magicians the world over, that little can be said of this

permanent engagement in the home of magicEgyptian

Hall. Among some of the most noted experiments that have
originated from his fertile brain will be found the "Birth of
Flora," "Vice-Versa, ""Artist's Dream," etc. A brightfuture
surely awaits this gentleman who has gained a footing in

clever magician that we do not already know. Mr. Devant

is an originator as well as performer, and to this is due the
reputation that he has gained, and which has given him a

London that has never been accomplished by so voung a

man before, and he seems to be eminently qualified to attain
still higher honors in the magical world. Mr. Devant is es-

/iDabatma.

ISSUED THE ist OF EACH MONTH.

c8O1_En'AGENTS FOR "'

HAMtBT'S
one inch $2.40 rjcli insertion. A deduction of 20 per cem. is allowed on advertisements \
paid for three months in advance, and on advertisements measuring 50 lines or more.
For Sale or Exchange column, 15 cents a line. Copyrighted March, 1895.
Remittances should be made by cheque, post office or express money order, or registered
letter.
Entered at the New York Post Office as Second Class Matter.

can be purchased in London only at Hamleys,

226 High Holborn, dealer in magical apparatus.
MAHATMA

DAVID DEVANT.CONTINUED.

pecially good in mental phenomena, his performance of repeating backward and forward a list of thirty nouns, frequently prefixed by an adjective, written down by half a dozen different persons, and he is also readily able to state the
word or words written against any individual number haphazard. In hand shadows this gentleman has rarely or ever
been excelled, and magicians owe to him many clever tricks
that have been scattered and performed all over the world.
Mr. Devant is ably assisted by his wife (Marion Melville),
whose pleasing personality has gained for her and her husband the highest rank that can befall the lot of a magician
an engagement in Egyptian Hall, London. The picture represents Mr. Devant and his spirit wife.
FROM OUR BOSTON CORRESPONDENT.
Emma Cotrely, one of the most expert lady jugglers on
the stage, is at Austin & Stones, Sept. 23d and week.
The Fall season fairly opened in August, and everyone is
happy. Harry Woods has been exemplifying Magic at
Austin & Stones weeks of Aug. 26 and Sept. 2.
Chic Kehoe was seen at Grand Museum week of Sept. 2d
in a new and original club act and trick manipulations.
Charles DeCamo, the unsurpassed expert of comedy jugglery, also appeared at the Grand Museum, weeks of Sept.
2d and 9th, and at the Grand Opera House week of Sept.
23d.
Deave's Marionettes were seen at Keith's new theatre
week of Sept. 2d, as was Meyer Cohen, in beautiful dissolving views, illustrative of his songs.
We received visits during Knight Templars' week, Aug.
26 to 31st, from many lovers of magic, among which were
Mr. Melohn, of Chicago, 111.; Edward L. Knowles, of Bristol, R. I.; F. A. Eldred, of Springfield, Mass.; H. R. Evans,
of Washington, D. C, and many others.
Mr. F. J. Bernier visited Boston Aug. 30th. He played at
Rivers Point, R. I., at the agricultural fair, Sept. 3d to 7th,
and at Gaiety and Bijou Theatre, Fall River, week of Sept.
9th. He has located for the coming season with W. D.
LeRoy at 103 Court street.
Chocora Alleg, the Hindoo juggler and palmest, called
upon us Sept. 9th. He left the same week for London to
present magic and jugglery over there.
Prof. Stockton called Sept. 10th. He has some very
clever ideas, although an amateur.
Fred Hurd, the clever Bridgeport magician, appeared
week of Sept. 9th at Keith's new theatre, presenting some
very pleasing work, using but little apparatus.
The original and only Severus Scheffer, phenomenal juggler, made one of the hits at Keith's new theatre, week of

Sept. 9th and 16th. Many of his features were new and
catchy. He is certainly a star. We were favored with a
call from him on the 20th.
Prof. Miller, magician, joined the Dr. Kit Kenyon Medical
Co., at Caledonia, N. Dak., Sept. 14th, for the season.
We were favored with a call from Dr. Merlin, Sept. 9th.
He was on his way to Atlanta, Ga., on a business trip.
A. O. Duncan, ventriloquist par excellence, was seen in
'his clever and funny work at Keith's Theatre, Sept. 16th
Neilson's aerial ballet was one of the features at Keith's
Theatre, week of Sept. 16th. The calcium light effect on
the serial dancers was very beautiful. They return here in
about four weeks time.
Eldora and Lorine, in juggling, were at Austin & Stones,
week of Sept. 16th.
Cudora, the juggler, with John S. Williams, in shadowgraphs, were at Austin & Stones, week of Sept. 16th.
Fielding, the marvelous juggler, appeared at Keiths Theatre, week of Sept. 23d.
Prof. Martyne, humorist, mimic and ventriloquist, was one
of the laughing attractions at Keith's Theatre, week of Sept.
23d. Mr. Martyne is a Boston favorite, and always sure of
a welcome.
We received a pleasant call Sept. 23d, from Prof. Andy
Johns, who was here on a flying trip. He reports business
as never better than at present. His Medicine Co. is at present down on Cape Ann.
Henry Markos and his Company opened their season at
Halifax, N. S., playing to packed houses nightly. Mr. Markos is making a big sensation through that country, as he
always does wherever he appears. See particulars in last
issue of MAHATMA.
Sept Qth we received a visit from Mr. T. Nelson Downs,
of Marshalltown, Iowa, who met many of the magic fraternity here. During his stay it was the pleasure of many to
witness his remarkable work with coins and cards. The
universal verdict was that he is indeed "The King of Koins."
All his work was absolutely new, original and puzzling, even
to magicians. We are frank to say that we believe him to
be the cleverest man living with coins, and justly entitled to
the name of "King of Koins." Mr. Downs joins a company
in October, taking the road for the season, and has placed
with us an order for a special set of elegant gold tables, and
a fine outfit of the latest tricks. He pronounced our stock
the finest he ever saw.
Prof. J. M. McAllister, the great wizard of the world, who
has been residing for several years in San Francisco, Cal.,
intends shortly to start on a tour of the world. He is one of
the best known of the old time magicians, and will undoubtedly receive a warm welcome back into the ranks.
Prof. A.W. Eaton, appears at Union Hall, Boston, Oct. 8th,
iu an entertainment of fun and mystery, entitled "Eatonism."
Prof. Samri S. and Mrs. Baldwin, the White Mahatmas,
and their company of entertainers, opened their regular season Sept. 13th, at the Academy of Music, New Orleans, La.
F. D. King, the original paper king, is at Austin & Stones
week of Sept 23d and 30th.
Emma Cotrely, one of the most expert jugglers on the
stage, was at Austin & Stones week of Sept. 23d.
W.

D. LEROY.

Professor Herrmann's tour in Canada was a big success,

at Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec, crowded houses were the
rule, especially at the latter place. Professor Herrmann has
purchased for the sum of $32,000 the magnificent traveling
car of Mrs. Langtry. The train consists of a car for the baggage, a car for six horses and three turnouts, and a combination and sleeping car. The Professor makes the car his permanent home during his trip.

/iDabatma.
FROM OUR CHICAGO CORRESPONDENT.
The chief events in September were without doubt the
presence of Mr. and Mrs. Kellar at the Schiller Theatre, and
that of Kennedy and Lorens, the mind readers at the Roof
Garden of the Masonic Temple. Prof. Kellar presented as
strong a program as ever, and during the second week of
his engagement had crowded houses, the unusual heat prevailing during his first week somewhat affected the attendance. In the first part of his act Mr. Kellar successfully introduced his ever popular conjuring feats, of which the production of flowers from the cone and the natural growth of
flowers as usual elicited the most applause. The balance of
the entertainment consisted of the puzzling thought transmitting act, Karmos or the. Diablerie of the Decimals, and the
large illusions which are elaborately gotten up. In the Queen
of Roses, Kellar introduced something new and so clever
that it may be safely said that the principle used in the production of the illusion will most certainly be used in some
illusions of the future. Kellar realizes this, as he works the
Kooma Sammi trick by the same process, allowing it to precede the Queen of Roses.
Kennedy and Lorenz, the European mind readers in their
magnificent act called "The Modern Sphinx," eclipse anything of the kind ever witnessed in Chicago; it may even be
said in America. Their system of describing any article, executing any wish, singing of any operatic air, etc., all executed in perfect silence, is extremely ingenious. They succeeded in packing the roof garden every night, and mystified
all local critics.
Mitchell, the magician, who appeared at the Tennis Theatre week of the 22d of September, is another one who deserves
favorable mention. Mr. Mitchell's tricks are entirely new
and of his own invention; his stage setting consists of parlor
furniture, and the articles used by him for his experiments
are such as are seen in any drawing room.
Mr. Ganellean, the French illusionist, with his elaborate
electrical stage setting 'thas been busy filling local engagements at Kohl & Middleton's houses. He is engaged to play
their houses in Cincinnati and Minneapolis during October.
Mr. Jacob Krueger, prestidigitator, appeared at Hopkin's
West Side Theatre the week of Sept. 9th.
D'AImora, the Oriental wonder worker, appeared at the
Tennis Theatre during the early part of the month.
Mr. Carl Baggesen, the famous contortionist, and his wife
Sapphire, the lady juggler, is once more in our city and are
playing at Hall's Casino. They are working on a new act
which will consist of a happy melange of juggling, contortion feats and straight and burlesque magic, they intend to
introduce their act in Europe. They are accompanied by
Otto Struck, a well known Newark magician.
Prof. Hornmann, the up to date magician, has finished
playing the Moore circuit and is filling Chicago dates.
Mr. Roterberg, who became the happy and proud father
of twins (boy and girl) on Sept. 25th, is publishing a thorough treatise on strictly modern conjuring. The book is
expected to be ready for sale at the end of October.
Mr. and Mrs. Addy passed through Chicago previous to
taking to the road. They were unfortunate enough to lose
their remaining child recently.
Prof. W. L. Harrington has secured a financial backer and
starts his fall season Oct. 1st, having added some of the best
of the modern tricks to his program. Mr. Harrington has
some fine paper and we hope that he will do well.
Barnello, the fire king, played the Detroit Museums and
the Crystal Theatre, Toronto, Canada.
Alor, the lady magician, filled a week's engagement at the
London Musee.
Messrs. Chas. Burlingame & Co., offer a new book entitled "Tricks in Magic," which contains all the secrets lately
offered for sale, the price of the book is only 25c. The au-

thor of the book deserves great credit for devising a way to

stop the nefarious practices of secret dealers who have done
so much toward hurting the business. : Similar treatise by
the same author are to follow.

MISS LABRANT.

PRINCE ALBENE.
Prince Albene and Miss LaBrant, the incomprehensible and
phenomenal mystic workers are well known throughout the
States for their clever act. Their spiritual cabinet act is especially good.
FROM OUR CONSTANTINOPLE CORRESPONDENT.
Chevalier Thorn has by order of His Majesty Sultan Abdul
Hamid II, given a special performance at the Yldiz Palace in
Constantinople which was attended by the Sultan himself,
the Princes Osman Pacha, all foreign Pashas, high dignitaries
and court interpreters.
The ladies of the Sultan's Harem watched the performance
from behind a screen provided with small openings. The
large and varied program was most enthusiastically received
and the Sultan has as a token of his appreciation presented
Chevalier Thorn with the decoration of the 4th class of the

/IDabatma.
Osmania Order, besides the substantial payment of ^200.
Chevalier Thorn had on his previous visit to Constantinople been decorated with the 4th class of the Medgedge Order.
His Majesty, the Sultan, appreciated mostly the small clever
slight of hand tricks which were presented by the Chevalier
in an inimitable manner, also the illusions Cremation, Propaganda, and Noah's Ark. The Sultan has a reception every
Friday for the amusement of the Court and the ladies of the
Harem. He has also his own conjurer, a Frenchman named
Nartrab, and many pantomine and other artists.
Chevalier Thorn will on the closing of his Constantinople
engagement start for Vienna, where he will give a series of
60 performances.

Mr. John J. Whalen, the well known New York magician

leaves in October for an engagement of 30 weeks with Fiederick Bancroft. Mr. Whalen is an originator of no mean
merit, and his program is replete with his own creations.
MAGIC AND MAGICIANS.
BY

CHARLES SUMNER KAY.

My personal recollection of celebrated magicians extends back to the days of Houdin, MacAllister and Anderson, and up to the present day princes of the magical artHerrmann, Kellar
Guibal, Powell and Jewett.
It has seemed to me that some thoughts on the changes in the art, and reflections on the
character of the work of some of these men might be of interest to the readers of MAHATMA.
I viw Houdin when I was quite a boy. I well remember the embroidered table cover v. ith

the name "Houdin," in large letters in front. Like all magicians of his day, his art was largely
mechanical. The rear of the stage was a banked up display of intricate and dazzling apparatus,
such as a man of his antecedents and early calling as a mechanician would naturally aflect.
Of the details of his performances I now retain but little recollection, in those days the obedient clock with its crystal dial, the burning cauldron with its accompanying doves, the elaborate
card-star, the aerial suspension, and such like, formed the chief teatures in the program.
MacAllister made much, in his posters, of the fact of his descent from a magical ancestry.
His father's portrait always appeared on his posters, side by side with his own. From these
men there has come down to us, and now found in the modern program as "fill in" material,
the gold-fish, the magic plumes, the Chinese rings, and the aerial treasury. These all seem to
be of perennial interest and appear to be destined to endure to the remote future.
Anderson was one of the first to introduce the gift feature as a drawing card for magical
performances. In provincial tours he would purchase from the local merchants of the small
towns the stock of miscellaneous and usually useful household articles, which he gave away on
the lottery principle. It may be said that this feature generally gave satisfaction, and at that
time done well, but it cannot be denied that it had a tendency to lower the standard of the performance, and made that part of the program too short, incidental and subordinate. Its abondonment is a subject for congratulation.
If one were to ask: "What is the chief charm of Herrmann's performances ?" It might be
truthfully said: It consists in the light, deft and altogether self-possessed procedure of that master of magic. While talkative in the best sense, Herrmann is not a bore, he says just enough,
says it well, and does not make patter a substitute for performance. Nothing could be better
than Herrmanns manipulations of birds, and for perfection of handling his version of the vanishing lady is unexcelled. Herrmann always gave the best rendering of the "Black Art" idea.
Kellar has been ascending the ladder of magical fame recently at great strides. His mental
phenomena given in connection with his wife, are known and appreciated by all. Kellar's latest
cabinet for spiritual phenomena, put up and taken down, panel by panel, in full view of the audience, is a marvel of completeness. This artist is particularly good in flower production, and
every season may be counted on for something new and startling.
Herrmann and Kellar, on account of their neck and neck race to outdo each other, on account of the continued high character of their entertainments, and through the original and artistic printing which they employ, stand to-day the favorites.
Jewett, the Hartford magician, is an easy and particularly pleasing performer. He is the
originator of many clever tricks that have been widely copied by the fraternity. Jewett is a
natural born wit, and consequently a great favorite.
Mons. Guibal, who has mystified and delighted American audiences for several years, is particularly fine in digital manipulation. He has a simple little feat of disappearance and re-appearance, on frequent repetition, of a small roll of cork, showing empty hands and uncovered arms,
that is a gem in its way. His version of the ring and sealed packets is always well done, sometimes a magician shows his essential genius in such simple feats more significantly than by
working elaborate mechanical devices in which the operator merely pushes the button and the
machine' does all the rest.
Powell is one of the best educated, refined and polished gentleman on the magical stage today. He talks well and works well. He does not under-rate the intelligence of his audience by
inflicting self-laudatory stories, nor make exaggerated statements to heighten effects. He is
quick and lively in genuine wit and repartee, and his hand work, wand work, and general manipulation of coins and cards are of the highest order.
As before intimated it is not in the more elaborate features approaching the theatrical in costume, drapery and mechanism, that the real genius of a magician is best displayed, these can be
gotten together by the costumer and stage-carpenter. This is here said to recall the fact that
Powell gives one of the most pleasing and beautiful renderings of the age-old feat of the Chinese
rings that can be seen anywhere, allowing the rings to separate in an almost liquid stream from
the hand.

Mr. Leopold Fuenkenstein has opened a School of Vaudeville at the Central Opera House, this city. Mr. Fuenkenstein has the best instructors in their different lines that can
be obtained, and every branch of the business will be taught.
The pupils will have weekly opportunities of appearing at
matinee performances where a full orchestra and everything
necessary will be found to complete a first class performance.
X ^ ^ MK ^ W * T ^ ^ ^ Y S f
^ n e x a c * reproduction
A
K < ^ V A M. ^ ^ ^ i 1 M of the most marvellous
experiment of the Indian Yogisa living, breathing, human being actually floats
i
without any visible means of support. This Marvel of Magic is from the

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flDabatma.
Clivette, the well-known necromancer, juggler and
shadowgrapher, opens his season about the last of October.
The feature of his show will be his wonderful lightning
calculating act.
Frederick Bancroft, styling himself the Prince of Magicians,
under the management of Mr. Clarence Fleming, opens his
season in October. It is claimed Mr. Bancroft has the most
magnificent stage settings ever seen on the American stage.
Dr. C. W. Hidden, of Newburyport, Mass., lectured recently at Lake Pleasant, his lecture being "Child Life and
Child Love," and "Hypnotism and Crime." The Doctor is
an expert hypnotist, a noted writer on hypnotism and psychic
phenomena, and is looked upon as one of the most prominent spiritualists in New England.
John G. Scheidler, side show manager and magician, is
still with the Leon W. Washburn Circus, and reports big
business.
Miss Mollie Roberts, mind reader, was presented with a
fine gold watch and chain by John G. Scheidler, this being
the second season for her with the Washburn Circus.
lmro Fox, the comic conjurer, the star attraction of Donnelly & Girard's Rainmakers, reports crowded houses.
John J. Whalen opens the season with Bancroft, the magician, in October.
Prof. LeBey, of Savannah, Ga., reports good business in
that city, and says all ot the local magicians are kept busy.
Frank Emerson, of Lynn, Mass., has been successful playing summer resorts.
Prof. C. Green, the Canadian magician, with Prof. E. C.
Clark, are playing all the large fairs in Canada.
The Houdinis, Harry and Bessie, closed a successful season of 26 weeks with Welsh Bros. Circus.
C. B. Shindle, magician, of Mauch Chunk, Pa., is going
on the road with his own magic show in November, playing Eastern Pennsylvania.
Morris DeCastro is filling several engagements at Atlanta.
Oakman, the hypnotist, is creating quite a sensation entertaining the members of the Y. M. C. A.
T. Edward Grigor, the mind reader, is resting at Patterson,

N. J.

Truchelut, of Savannah, boy magician, is doing a clever act

and has a line outfit.
Mr. Eliott Payge, of Savannah, has made a hit with black art.
Eugene Partridge, magician, is filling an engagement in
New York city.
Prof. Flint and daughter, hypnotists, are touring the Northern States.
Prof. Wm. F. Frier, of Dayton, Ohio, is touring North
Carolina.
Cazman's Royal European Vaudeville Co., headed by Cazman, will open at Buffalo, Oct. 14th. This clever artist will
bring over with him Walter Stanton, the man bird; the Great
Newton, the four Tivoli Dancing Girls, the Wiltons, horizontal bar experts; Tini Corri, male impersonator; Mam'zelle
Flossie, Smith & Campbell, Willis Clark, Hughey Dougherty,
Giguere & Giguere, etc. Mr. Cazman will introduce some
new features in his already perfect specialty.
Berol & Belmonte, are preparing for an extended tour of
the States.
Sargent, the merry wizard, will play local dates in New
York and vicinity.
Earl P. Sprague, magician and illusionist of Cleveland will
play local dates this winter.
LONDON NEWS.
Mr. Ellis Stanyon, the clever society entertainer of this city is getting up an elaborate programme for the coming season. A novel feature is an entirely new production trick, the effect of which is as follows: A small round table 12 inches in diameter is introduced, the
table is simply covered with a piece of white muslin one and a half

yards square, entirely unprepared. Immediately the muslin is laid

on the table it is withdrawn, when it reveals half a dozen glasses of
wine, and a cake on the plate with a knife, the whole being already
placed 011 a Japanese tray for distribution. The table is now taken
to pieces, and the legs and top are given for examination. The top
of the table is only one-half inch thick, quite plain with a fringe four
inches deep. The principle employed is really clever and absolutely
new. Later on I hope to have his permission to disclose the secret
of this exceptionally pretty and effective experiment.
Henri Cazman, renowned fantaisist and shadowist, is now working
three of the principal halls nightly. This refined artist gets through
a phenomenal amount of work in a very short time; he always has
something new for his audience, and the applause he well deserves,
testifies to their appreciation.
The prince of jugglers, Paul Cinquevalli, needs no introduction, as
he is known all the world over. At present he is exclusively engaged
at the Empire Theatre of Varieties, where he has become an exceptional favorite.
Carl Hertz, premier illusionist, is performing at the Royal Music
Hall, Holborn, where his latest illusion, " Aerolithe," the mystery
of the air, causes quite a sensation.
Prof. Burto, royal wizard, is filling a long engagement at the Alhambra, Brighton, where he nightly mystifies his audience with his
feats of Legerdemain.
ROSS CoNVEAKS,

PARIS NEWS.
Things in the magic world are rather slow here just now. Theatre
Robert Houdin is under the direction of Mr. G. Melics. Their pretty
little home of conjuring has re-opened for the season. The conjurers
Ranally and Duperry being engaged. The first part consists of hand
tricks, followed by a magical melange called " T h e Chateau of Mesmer,'1 the curtain rising on an excellently painted scene of an ancient
interior in which are introduced a number of novel as well as old illusions, including a suspended Cornet a Piston, playing any tune desired, the keys working as if pressed by hidden hands. A spirit hand
which taps out answers to questions, etc., notwithstanding it is isolated on a sheet of glass placed across the backs of the stall seats in
the middle of the audience, also dancing hats, skulls and skeleton.
Terminating with the suspension trick on a new style arranged by
DeVere.
Theatre Isola.The brothers Isola still hang out with their old
tricks, second sight and transmission of thought business, only keeping on with the half price admission ticket trick.
Theatre Roskoff.This theatre is closed and to let, Roskoff having
just left for the Brazils, the field of his early successes.
Musee Grevin.Carmanelli a very clever exponent of the magic
art has just finished a long season.
Henri Cazman has visited this city.
Trewey tells rne he leaves for the States in a couple of months.
The pretty Okita is engaged in England for two months, she
returns here to the Casino in September, when she will introduce
DeVere's new screen trick.
C. D. V.

DISAPPEARANCE OF AN APPLE AND A NINEP1N.

To an apple and a ninepin, the principal objects with which

this trick is performed, are added as accessories a napkin, a
large vessel of dark blue glass and a cornet of coarse paper,
which is made on the spot by moulding it over the ninepin.
First 'Disappearance (Fig. 1).The apple, in order that it
may be more in sight, is placed upon the inverted glass, V,
under the paper cornet, while the inverted ninepin is covered
with the napkin, S, through which it is held. All at once
the napkin, quickly seized by the two corners, is vigorously
shaken and the ninepin has disappeared, or, rather, it is
found upon the glass in place of the apple, which has passed
into the prestidigitator's pocket.
Second 'Disappearance (Fig. 2).The apple, first placed

/IDabatma.
upon the table, is thrown invisibly toward the paper cornet,
under which, in fact, it is found. And the ninepin ? The
prestidigitator had forgotten to tell it where it was to go
when he sent the apple in its place. As he gives up trying
to find it and seizes the blue vessel in order to put it in place,
it is seen that the ninepin, driven by the apple, has passed
underneath.
Fig. 5 renders an explanation scarcely necessary. At the
moment that the paper cornet was made, the ninepin. A, was
covered with a dummy, B, of thin metal, which remained in
the cornet when the latter was removed. In the napkin,
formed of two napkins sewed together by their edges, was
concealed, between the two fabrics, a small disk of cardboard

of the same diameter as the base of the ninepin. The latter

was allowed to fall secretly behind the table in a box lined
with silk waste, only the cardboard disk being held, thanks
to which the napkin preserved the same form that it possessed when the ninepin was beneath it, as shown in Fig. i.
There is no explanation in regard to the apple that comes
out of the prestidigitator's pocket and which is similar to the
one that remained on the glass and was hidden by the false
ninepin that covered it when the paper cornet alone was removed.
For the second disappearance, the apple, placed upon the
table, is surrounded by the two hands of the prestidigitator,
who, while it is thus concealed, by a blow given with the
little finger of the right hand, sends it rolling on to a shelf
behind the table. His hands, nevertheless, preserve the same
position as if they held the apple. It is the first one that is
seen upon the foot of the glass, the false ninepin being removed this time with the paper cover. Under the glass there
is a second talse ninepin, C, of metal, painted dark blue in
the interior and which has a narrow flange through which
it rests upon the edge of the glass, of which it seems to form
a part. Fig. 3 shows it in section with the glass, and also
the different pieces as they are arranged at the beginning of
the experiment.'-<> o^atur'c
A BRIOCHE BAKED IN A HAT.
This old trick always amuses the spectators. Some eggs
are broken into a porcelain vessel, some Hour is added thereto, and there is even incorporated with the paste the egg
shells and a few drops of wax or stearine from a near-by
candle. The whole having been put into a hat (Fig. 1), the
latter is passed three times over a flame, and an excellent
brioche, baked to a turn, is taken out of this new set of cooking utensils. As for the owner of the hat, who has passed

through a state of great apprehension, he finds with evident

satisfaction (at least in most cases) that his head gear has
preserved no traces of the mixture that was poured into it.
Fig. 2 shows the apparatus employed by prestidigitators
to bake a brioche in a hat. A is an earthen or porcelain
vessel (it may also be of metal) into which enters a metallic
cylinder, B, which is provided with a flange at one of its extremities and is divided by a horizontal partition into two
unequal compartments, r and d. The interior of the part, d,
is painted white so as to imitate porcelain. Finally, when
the cylinder, B, is wholly inserted in the vessel, A, in which
it is held bv four springs, r, r, r, r, fixed to the sides, there
is nothing to denote at a short distance that the vessel, A, is
empty, just as it was presented at the beginning of the experiment.
The prestidigitator has secretly introduced into the hat the
small cake and the apparatus, B, by making them fall suddenly from a bracket affixed to the back of a chair. That at
least is the most practical method of operating.
The vessel, A, about which there is nothing peculiar, is,
of course, submitted to the examination of the spectators.
The object of adding the flour is to render the paste less fluid
and to thus more certainly avoid the production of stains.
The cake being arranged under the apparatus, B, in the
space, d, the contents of the vessel, A, poured from a certain
height, fall into the part, c. of the apparatus; then the vessel,
gradually brought nearer, is quickly inserted into the hat in
order to seize therein, and at the same time remove, the receptable, B, with its contents and leave only the cake.
Fig. 3 shows this last operation. We have intentionally
shown the part, B, projecting from the vessel, A, but it will
be understood that in reality it must be inserted up to the
base at the moment at which the vessel, A, introduced into
the hat, is concealed from the eyes of the spectators. The

prestidigitator none the less continues to move his fingers all

around the interior of the double vessel as if to gather up the
remaindei of the paste, which he makes believe throw into
the hat, upon the rim of which he even affects to wipe his
fingers, to the great disquietude of the gentleman to whom
it belongs.
The experiment may be complicated by fust burning alcohol or fragments of paper in the compartment, r, of the apparatus. Some prestidigitators even add a little Bengal fire.
But let no one imitate that amateur prestidigitator who,
wishing to render the experiment more brilliant, put into the
receptacle such a quantity of powder that a disaster supervened, so that it became necessary to throw water into the
burning hat in order to extinguish the nascent fire.

flDabatma.
THE MYSTERIOUS SUM IN
ADDITION.
The performer passes a number of papers or cards to the
audience with the request that
a line or row of numbers be
written on each card. The performer collects the same, and
with chalk puts the numbers on
the blackboard and draws a line
under the bottom row, he now
(places the piece of chalk in a
pistol and fires point blank at
the board, and the answer is
seen to suddenly appear in bold chalk figures under the
drawn line. The explanation is very simple, the assistant
stands in the entrance off the stage and adds the sum up on
a slate and puts the addition in chalk on a piece of black
cardboard, or silicate board, a pasteboard painted black
with pulverized slate and a certain sizing, making it like a
real slate. 1 prefer this also for the false flap in the slate for
spirit writing, it takes less room in thickness and is noiseless.
The back of this paper board has wax on it, if the black
board is really a slate, and small steel points if it is merely a
painted board, this makes it adhere to the blackboard. Now
this cardboard with the numbers on it is double, the one
half folding up against and hiding the numbers of the answer.
This cardboard strip is the length and width of a flat ruler,
such as is used for ruling straight lines. After assistant has
written the answer on the black cardboard strip, he folds the
lower half up, thus concealing the same, and the flap is kept
from dropping by a little catch, which is released by pulling
a thread. The cardboard strip thus prepared is placed under
the ruler above mentioned and both placed on small table,
and put half on and half off stage. After all the numbers are
placed on black board, you make the request that some one
copy them and add them up, and keep the sum total to himself: while he is doing so it gives your assistant the desired
time to do the same and lay the prepared ruler on the table,
you now say I will draw a line under the last row of figures,
you do so taking care to press the ruler hard enough to stick
it to the board, and remove only the ruler. When pistol is
fired, the string is pulled releasing the flap which falls down
and reveals the correct answer to a sum of figures that have,
been put on the black board from slips of paper written
by the audience.
For this card trick the performer borrows a hat and places
it mouth downwards on the table, remarking I am now
about to illustrate to you the force of one mind over another,
also the marvelous power of being able to see through obstacles such as solid matter; for example here is an ordinary
pack of cards laid out on the table with their faces down,
it thus being an utter impossibility to know one card from
another, nevertheless I can see the face of those cards and
distinguish the names of them, and what is more 1 will ask
this gentleman to assist me, and I will influence his mind in
such a manner as to compel him to take such cards as I call
for. We shall not look at the cards until the trick is finished,
as the cards are called he is to take any card that he wishes,
he is not to look at it, but hand it to me, and I will place
it under this hat. After five or six cards are called for I will
remove the hat, and the cards under it will be the ones 1
called for, and such is found to be the case.
Here is the explanation, you palm a card from the pack
and when you borrow the hat drop the card into it, and observe its denomination, and then slip it inside the sweat band
of the hat, then allow the hat to be placed on the table upside
down without the card falling out. Suppose the card was
the five of spades, you now ask for that card and thegentle,man who is assisting you takes haphazard every card and

hands it to you, as you place it under the hat you catch a

glimpse of it, and that is the next card you are to ask for.
The last card you ask for will be one you have already got,
of course it will be a wrong one that is handed to you, but
slip it into the sweat band of the hat and remove the or*that has been there all along, and when the hat is removed
the cards you called for, and only those are found under it.
You can do away with the use of the hat in this manner,
first observe what the bottom card of the pack is, and let
that be the first one you ask for, and proceed as previously
described, but when you ask for the last card say you will
take that one yourself, and take the bottom card which of
course you must not let them see alone, because it would
divulge the method employed, but place it with the rest and
turn them all over face upwards.
WM. E. ROBINSON.

A NliW CARD TRICK.

Hand the pack to be shuffled and when returned to you
have a card chosen (not forced). We will suppose the chosen
card is the knave of spades, receive it back in the pack and
make the pass so as to leave it fourth from the bottom.
Shuffle the cards, not disturbing the order of the four bottom
ones, now show the bottom card, and lowering the pack,
draw it out and lay it on the table, and we will suppose for
illustration that it is the seven of hearts. Show the next bottom card, which we will suppose is the eight of hearts, and
lowering the pack, draw it out and lay it by the side of the
other. Show the next card, which we will suppose is the
ace of diamonds, and lowering the pack, slip this card back
a little with the third finger of the hand holding the cards,
and draw out the next one, /. e. the chosen card, and lay it
by the side of the other two on the table. The ace of diamonds is now at the bottom of the pack, and it is necessary
that you shuffle the cards so as to leave it on the top, the
three cards on the table are supposed to be the seven of
hearts, eight of hearts, and the ace of diamonds, but really
they are the seven of hearts, eight of hearts, and the chosen
card. Now say to a lady, which card do you prefer, the
seven of hearts, eight of hearts, or the ace of diamonds. If
you appear to forget the last card, then suddenly name it,
the lady is almost sure to say the ace of diamonds, as she
will probably have forgotten the other twothis is what you
require. We will proceed as if this was so, you have now
simply to ruffle the cards over the supposed ace of diamonds,
when the chosen one is found in its place, and the ace on
the top of the pack. Suppose the lady had said she preferred
the seven of hearts, you would have simply pushed it in her
direction saying, thank you, then turning to another lady
saying which one do you prefer, the eight of hearts or the
ace of diamonds. If she says eight of hearts, push it towards
her, saying thank you, then 1 will take the one that remains,
from this you would proceed as above described. There is
yet another contingency which may arise, suppose the second lady had said she preferred the ace of diamonds, you
would have to say, thank you, then that leaves this other
lady the eight of hearts. You now ruffle the pack over the
supposed ace of diamonds to cause the change as described
above, and it is well to have the chosen card named before
turning it up. There being no doubt in the minds of the
audience that the three cards on the table are indifferent ones,
and as you appear to be so indifferent in your selection of the
one for the final effect, the trick causes the greatest possible
sensation.
This trick has been arranged entirely by myself, and I can
thoroughly recommend it as producing a great effect.
Ei.i.is STANYON.
Prof. Harry M. Helms, is playing the large towns of the
Northwest, and-reports good business.

fioabatma.
place the quarter in my hand, which I afterwards close, on re-opening it the
coin has vanished. 1 reproduce it this time by apparently finding it concealed
A TALE OF OBSERVATION AND EXPERIENCES. BY DR. ALBERT MERLIN.
in the porter's whiskers, much to his astonishment, though he showed no
CHAPTER IV.
sign of being amused, a look of suspicious dread passed over this big Irish'The profession I am of requires me to understand everything.''
man's face, which with my tact as a physiognomist, I quickly noticed.
Don Q_uixote.
He then excitedly exclaimed: " Do thot again."
I repeated the trick, but this time I took the coin from under his vest. Not
It being my intention to visit the White Mountain resorts, I took the boat
the following morning for Weirs, thence by cars through the gateway of the the least disturbed, he said: " Let me see that money in me hand." Taking
mountains to Bethlehem, to give my entertainment at the Maplewood House. it, 1 noticed he turned his back to us all. Mv early religious training gave
Having admired the grandeur of natural scenery in the west and a few for- me to understand that he was makine; the sign of the cross on the coin. 1
eign lands, I had accustomed myself to believe there was nothing in compar- remembered my own faith when I battled with the evil one (the first magicison in the East worth speaking of, but at Bethlehem, N. H., I met with a ian 1 had ever seen), and I could not suppress a smile, but I pretended not
surprise. Here was nature in all her glory, possibly not so much grandeur, to notice what he had done. With a show of confidence, and in a dogged
but a beauty of scenery far surpassing anything I had ever seenhardly tone he returned the coin to me, remarking: ''Do it now moi laddybuck."
After my experience the previous evening at Centre Harbor with the little
dreamed of.
Niagara Falls had impressed me as the grandest object in nature. Trenton Frenchman, I thought it best not to dispel his faith in the sign of the cross,
Falls, N. Y., as the most beautiful, but here in Bethlehem, ''The Sacred so I placed the coin in my hand, but this time with a show of effort I could
Mountains drew around us," my eyes were greeted with a sight that filled not make it disappear. Speaking to him in a tone of annoyance I demanded
my soul with joy, the grandeur of nature in all her beauty, a veritable " Port to know what he had done to the coin when he had turned his back. His
of rest from troublous toil, the world's sweet inn from pain and wearisome only reply was '' Do it now, I defy you to do it now." After a few more
useless attempts I left the crowd in apparent disgust.
turmoil."
O, ye tired denizens of the city, wearing out your strength and reserved
The devil overcome by the sign of the cross, though not the first time either.
energy in the toil for gain, for power or pleasure, stop a moment, think a Had 1 done this in Jerusalem 1800 years ago, what a powerful influence for
moment what you are sacrificing for a short lived result, and " strike your saving souls I might have exerted. Or had I done it in the days of Cotton
task " for a few days rest, a rest that soul, mind and body needs each twelve- Mather I would have been branded in reality a witch, and doubtless have
month, come to this refuge of peace, verily great will be your reward, for been burned at the stake. Well, 1 did some good for that poor man, I left
"he who of these delights can judge, and spare to interpose them ott, is not him his religion and ignorance. The story he will tell as long as he lives and
unwise."
will find many believers. I also tell this story and 1 find more believers than
There is a charm, a fascination, a subtle enticement, in this beautiful spot he, because 1 talked to wiser people.
which brings one under its sweet power, making him over into a new being.
It was in Bethlehem I met with an experience somewhat new to me, one
An incident which occurred during my stay at Bethlehem, reminded me strictly characteristic of Yankee narrowmindedness. I could not gain the
of an interesting scientific fact brought to my notice some two years pre- hotel proprietor's consent to charge an admission to my entertainment, as he
vious while stopping at Indianapolis, Ind. At the hotel in that city I met claimed he could not allow his hall to be closed against any of his guests; in
two highly educated deaf mutes, who were traveling through the west giving other words a small cranky few of them might have complained if the maexhibitions of their truly remarkable powers. At a private reception I was jority were entertained one hour. Nor would he allow me to take a collecone of a party invited to witness their skill. One would stand at the ex- tion from the audience in case I admitted them free. He was willing I should
treme end of a large parlor, and read a newspaper conveying the contents to give a free entertainment, this however did not accord with my method of
his companion at the other end of the room, as quick as voice reading, by doing business, but I consented to do so although with other views in my
means of his fingers, spelling each word as he went along, and with his fin- mind, and confident that I could turn the tables on him. I proposed to ingers he could indicate the alphabet much quicker than I with my voice. Out troduce a new trick for his especial entertainment. Of course a free enterof courtesy to their kind invitation I volunteered some of my specialties in tainment from one endorsed as I was, brought a crowded house, including
magic, such as palming the coin, manipulation of cards, making the pass, etc., our landlord and family on front seats. Some five hundred people were preswhile interesting others present, to the mutes it was all transparent. There ent, and the Boston Museum orchestra furnished the music, being engaged
was no deception, no trick to them, their trained eye was quicker than my there for the season. The entertainment was conducted as if every one had
sleight of hand. My trick, no matter how skillfully done, was detected by paid, and nothing was said about payment, but as the audience passed out
them, it naturally fell flata miserable failure. They were the first persons they doubtless thought the laborer was worthy of his hire. I had previously
I ever met that I could not deceive by my magic. 'Twas more of an enter- selected the smartest bell boy I could find, and instructed him to throw a
tainment to me than to them.
silver dollar on the tray he was to hold in his hand with a loud bang the
Their long practice in training the eye to read the rapid motion of the. fin- moment the first man left the hall at the close of the performance. The hint
gers in spelling words, had rendered it impossible for me to deceive. It is an took, as I counted my money, there was one hundred and sixty-five dollars,
old saying, especially with magicians that the hand is quicker than the eye- and I could not but conclude my entertainment had proven satisfactory. As
sight, but in this case it was demonstrated that the eyesight was quicker than I paid my bill the next morning the clerk handed me the following letter.
the hand, a fact, I believe, not generally known. These expert mutes were DR. A. MERLIN,
in their skill to the untrained mutes, what a college professor is to a school
Dear Sir: Your entertainment far surpassed my expectations, myself and
boy. This occurrence left a lasting impression on my mind, and I afterwards guests were highly entertained. Your programme was filled with many surwas on the lookout for an uneducated deaf mute, or one educated in the com- prises, your first trick of turning water into wine was done in an improved
mon school, one who could not use his fingers in conversation. At Bethle- and modern manner, the following ones equally as wonderful and satisfactory,
hem 1 had this good fortune, the bootblack was a deaf mute. 1 improved but the last and greatest trick, that of turning labor into capital was the most
the first opportunity, taking a coin from my pocket to pay him for polishing original and surprising to me. My indignation wai only exceeded by my
my shoes, I apparently handed it to him, but the blank expression on his admiration for your genius in getting the best of me, but as every one seemed
face convinced me that he did not know where it had disappeared. I then pleased I have only to say that you are a bright, smart fellow, and that
extracted the coin from his hair, again handing it to him; it again disappeared, wherever you go you have the best wishes of, Yours truly,
1 drew it this time from the sole of my shoe, noticing that he marvelled more
RICHARD STANTON.
and more. It needed not that expression of surprise on his face to tell me
Such incidents as these go to make up the experiences of a gripsack magicthat I had completely fooled him. That my hand was quicker than his eye. ian at the summer watering places, or did in my day, the "trick" is an old
Finally seeing the ten cent piece which I had first handed to him had one now, the managers of these great hotels have caught on to the idea of
turned into a quarter of a dollar, he seized a tablet from his coat pocket, furnishing entertainments to their guests, and for the purpose they employ a
wrote vigorously upon it, and in gutteral tones, "uh, uh !" beckoned to the master of ceremonies who attends to this duty.
bell boys and porter, and a few servants standing about and pointing to me,
From Bethlehem I continued on to the other resorts of the White Hills,
hands them the slate, which I noticed contained the words: "A witch." thence to Mount Desert, and only closed my wanderings as the season drew
This caused them much astonishment, and I am closely .watched as I again to a close. (The End.)
THE LAND OF HUMBUG.

iltaljatnta.
A FRENCH FANTAISIST.
BY HARRY R. EVANS.

Paris is the home of the fantaisist. These rare exotics flourish in

the genial atmosphere of the great French capital, and cater to the
most critical, as well as the most appreciative public in the world.
No matter how trivial your profession may be, if you are an artist in
your particular line, you may be sure of an admiring audience. Today you are a performer in the cafe's; to-morrow you tread the
boards of some minor theatre, and the journals duly chronicle your
debut, sometimes with as much elaborateness as they would "write
up" the dt'but of a new cantatrice at the Grand Opera, or else the
advent of a new Cabinet Minister, who has just assumed an important portfolio. Two of the greatest entertainers in Paris to-day are
Yvette Guilbert, Chantcuse Ecccntrique, and M. Felieien Trewey
fantaisist, mimic, shadowgraphist and juggler. It is M. Trewey and
his wonderful art I wish to introduce to the American reader. The
clever Frenchman is one of the greatest sleight-of-hand artists in the
world, but his lasting fame has been male through his ombre?:! inie,
or shadowgraphythe art of casting silhouettes with his hands on
an illuminated screen; silhouettes of men, women and animals, all
projected with such marvellous dexterity of manipulation as to raise
the diversity to the dignity of a fine art.
The projecting of shadows on a wall by the aid of the hands interposed between the wall and the light of a lamp or candle, is very
old, but it was confined to the production of a few simple silhouettes
contained in almost every work treating of the art amusante. In the
hands of Felicien Trewey, however, shadowgraphy comes as a novelty, and is highly entertaining. In fact, this artist may be said to
be the classic performer of ombromanie, for his tireless ingenuity
has given birth to over three hundred silhouettes, the making of
which is a complete mystery to the public.
I will now endeavor to explain and illustrate the mysteries of this
species of the art fantastique. The modus operand/ of the shadowgraphs may be seen from the accompanying pictures. A screen is
first placed on the stage, and behind it, some ten feet away, is a
powerful oxhydrogen lamp, which projects a circle of light upon
the white cotton sheet. Between this screen and the light the artist
stands and manipulates his hands so as to throw the shadows.
The nearer the hands are brought to the light the more the shadow
increases in size and loses its intensity, while on bringing the hands
closer to the screen the silhouette is rendered sharper, but smaller
and smaller. Some little pieces of cardboard, cut in different shapes
to represent hats, bonnets, etc., as occasion requires, and held between the fingers, enable Trewey to represent all sorts and conditions
of people and things. The great features of his shadowgraphs is
that they are endowed with life, and enact little pantomimic scenes,
much to the amusement of the onlooker. He shows, for instance, a
preacher in his pulpit delivering a vigorous discourse and pounding
the rail in front of him to emphasize his remarks; a concierge and a
belated lodger quarreling violently; a fisherman in a boat having
the usual luck with the finny tribe, and resorting to liquid consolation from a big jug, and last, but not least, two Romeos serenading
a capricious Juliet. All these clever little scenes have to be seen to
be appreciated. So elaborate are some of them, and so clever from a
pantomimic standpoint, that one can hardly believe that simply the
the two hands of the performer and some bits of cardboard constitute
the entire deux ex machina. A little box tied around the wrist of the
artist represents a pulpit in the theological scene described above;
his bent fingers the canopy, while the preacher is made by the disengaged hand. Trewey's faces of old men and women are excellent.
You can see the aged military pensioner, taking snuff, smoking, and
imbibing wine from a flask. The motions of swallowing are marvelously executed, the progressive movement of the hand or arm showing the swelling of the throat occasioned by the descent of the food
in the oesophagus. Trewey's latest specialties are ombromanie portraits of political, literary, and military celebrities, which are ingeniously executed, and exceedingly lifelike. The long practice necessary
to acquire the digital dexterity required in shadowgraphy, as exemplified by this artist, is never dreamed of by the average spectator
who sits in front of the house and applauds and laughs at the performer's conceptions.
La Nature, the French scientific journal, in speaking of the work,
says: "There are certain hand and finger exercises that are indispensable to perform in order to reproduce such silhouettes more or less
perfectly. The first exercise consists in bending the little finger as
much as possible without moving the others, while the hand is spread
out. It must be understood, that all that is done with the right hand
must be repeated with the left. The two hands being broken in to
this motion, the little finger is raised and an effort is made to bend
the middle and ring fingers, while the fore and little fingers remain
extended.
Trewey's appearance on the stage is prepossessing, being a man
of fine physique, with a jovial smiling countenance. The handsome
court dress which he wears is peculiarly adapted to his graceful stat-

ure and expressive actions. Among the principal features of Trewey's

entertainments are balancing tricks of a startling nature, and of which
he is the grand master. In legerdemain he is equally fine, his dexterity in throwing cards being extraordinary; for he is able to project
these little pieces of glazed cardboard from the stage of the Alhambra
(the largest hall in Europe) to the furthest part of the top gallery.
He also possesses great skill in the uncommon art of writing backwards any words selected by the audience and is a lightning sketch
artist of ability. "Tabarin or twenty-five heads under one hat," is a
performance named after the inventor. With the brim of an old felt
sombrero, Trewey is able by skillful manipulation to construct every
variety of headgear, from the chapeau of a French Abbe to the headdress of a Norman peasant woman; but it is not this headgear that
astonishes the audience, but Trewey's facial interpretation of the different types of character assumed. His mobile features are a national portrait gallery, and we see represented in the "Tabarin"
Irishmen, Scotchmen, Chinamen, Englishmen and other nationalities. It is a pantomimic act of inimitable skill.
The Paris Figaro has described his work as "Treweyism," and Illustration never fails to send a staff artist behind the scenes to make
sketches of the ombromanist's latest creations. He has always something novel and unique from week to week, and so stimulates public
curiosity by his remarkable versatility.
I first became acquainted with this ingenious artist in the summer
of 1893, and over a bottle of Bordeaux, heard the story of his life and
career. He was born at Angouleme, nearly forty-five years ago. His
father was a machinist employed at one of the paper mills of the city,
and desired the young Trewey to become engineer in the manufactory. An unexpected incident diverted Trewey's mind from mechanics to jugglery. He was taken one day to the circus at Marseilles,
and saw the performance of a conjurer. He was so delighted with
the entertainment of the mountebank, that he forthwith determined
to become a professional prestidigitateur. Finding that he could not
enlist the interest of his son in machinery, Trewey perc sent him to
a Jesuit Seminary at Marseilles to study for the priesthood. One day,
after he had completed three years at the seminary, he returned home
for a short holiday, and refused to return, whereupon his father sent
him to work daily at the factory. During his sojourn at the school,
Trewey exhibited his skill as an amateur juggler, and took part in the
dramatic exhibitions given by the students from time to time. He
kept up his practice while at work at the factory, and then one fine
summer's day at the age of (15) ran away from home with a professional acrobat, not much older than himself. The two boys gave performances in the cafes of the neighboring towns, and eventually
Trewey succeeded in getting an engagement in one of the Marseilles
music halls, at the munificent salary of a franc a day. He had to
give his own juggling entertainment several times a day, and appear
in a pantomimic performance every night. In this same company
was Plessie, afterwards one of the greatest of the French comedians.
Speaking of this period of his interesting career, Trewey said to me:
"It was\he custom in French places of amusement, when I was a
young and struggling entertainer, for the spectators to throw money
on the stage to the actor when he is particularly pleasing. I carefully saved the coin obtained in this way until I was able to purchase
two grand new costumes. These costumes and the popularity acquired, enabled me to obtain an engagement at the Alcazar, the principal place of amusement in Marseilles.
Other engagements offered themselves in quick succession after
that, and I became a favorite performer in all of the principal towns
in the South of France where 1 remained for three or four years. After a while I returned to the strolling branch of the profession, and
started anew as the proprietor of a travelling caravan pantomine and
vaudeville company.
I travelled from one little town to another, playing various roles,
including Pierrot and Cassandre, the clown and pantaloon of French
pantomine; and danced in the Clodochc, a grotesque quadrille; took
part in a comedy, in addition to giving my own entertainment. It
was a bare living only that was gained in this manner for two years;
after which an offer of an engagement came to me from Bordeaux.
Here I was most successful, and made a hit with a number of new
feats of balancing with bottles, etc., which I had been busy for a
long time perfecting myself. It was at this period I invented the
ombromanie. An offer quickly came for an engagement at the Concert des Ambassadcurs, in Paris, and my success was complete. I
stayed in Paris nine years and since then traveled all over Europe
in Spain, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Russia, Great Britain, and, as
you know, introduced shadowgraphy to the American public in
1893."
Trewey's home in the Rue Rochonart, Paris, is an interesting place
to visit, it is crowded with apparatus and all sorts of new inventions
intended for use in his conjuring entertainments. His scrap and
memorandum books are unique in themselves and contain hundreds
of sketches in water colors of juggling feats, either performed by himself or by other artists, and under each drawing is a carefully written
description of the particular act.
"What are you going to do with all this material ?" I once asked
him. "I may publish a book one of these days," he replied, with a
merry twinkle of the eye, who knows. "I've done worse things."

III a I) a tut it.

IO

M. GLADSTONE

LE TSAR ALEXANDRIA 111

GAMBliTTA

//

LORD SALISBURY

M. EMILE ZOLA
CRISP]
L'OMBROMANIE, nouvelles silhouettes, par TBEWEY

ittaliatma.

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Several prominent magicians have commissioned us to offer the following popular Illusions and Apparatus for sale. This
is an opportunity seldom met with to procure reliable illusions that have stood the test before the
public at a figure far below the actual value.
CASSADAGA PROPAGANDA,
NOAM'S ARK, OX, PSYCHO,
ICARIAN,

SARATOGA TRUNK MYSTERY,

OUT OF SIGHT,

C A N N O N , f o r shouting out a live lady, suitable for Circus.

T R E E O F T H E F Al R I E S , a s described in No. 4 of MAHATMA.
B U N C A L O W , quite new and never performed in this country.
FLOWER TABLE, London make.
THE BIRTH OF FLORA, t Q e Latest Sensation from the Egyptian Hall, London.
FINE FRENCH CENTRE T A B L E , made by Voisin, Paris.

Prices and particulars will be communicated on application to professionals only, on receipt of last programme or card.

MARTINKA St. CO.,

flDabatma.
raj MUSIC
C

'/fc*Tunes Unlim
imited.

SffiSS?
Sec! Hear It!

LANTERNSWAANTED^Vl'xV'^W'.f!
HARBACH & CO., 809 Filbert St., Philada.. Pa.

NEW TRICKS.
100 Tage Victoria I Catalogue, with Tictures of Leading "Professionals.

LATEST EUROPEAN NOVELTIES

Magic, Second Sight and Anti-Spiritualism. Up
to date. Send 15c. for same. No free list
New Six Changing Card, changes genuinely to 6 different
suits and colors, latest 1.50. New Quadruple Changing Color Card, ace changes color 4 times, 1.00. New Demon Vanishing Silk Handkerchief, vanishes from extended hand, sleeves
up, Latest, $2.00.

W. D. LEROY,
103 COURT STREET, BOSTON, MASS.

PROF. WERNERT,

FLOWER BANDS.

MAGICIAN
Address MAHATMA.

's Most Original Magician.

Positively the best on the markethold flowers even and securereleases them by slight pressure. 35c. each, or three for
Si.00. With improved device whereby loading is a matter of
ease, with hands and cone away from body and sleeves rolled
up, 60 cts. or 2 lor one dollar. Registered letter, post office or
C. B. SH1NDHL,
express order. Address,
Mauch Chunk, P.i.
Box 371.

IMRO FOX,
THE FAMOUS

Nigger, Nigger, Nigger, Neber Die.

ELMER P.RANSOM

PI-.kMANENr ADDKKib:

Song and Chorus by WILL LY1.K.

The Biggest Hit of the Season.

12th Season.

Bright and Catchy^

S<*iul '-20 c e n t s t o

Clias W. Plumb, Publisher,

rofessionals, 10 cents.

493

SIXTH AVENUE, NEW YORK.

Care MARTINKA & CO.

2 9 PARK ROW, N. Y.

Address, 172 South 9th Street, Brooklyn

A. ROTERBERG,
DEALER IN

KK3IOYEU TO

Illinois Street,
CHICAGO, ILL.
CATALOGUE OF OVER 400 NEW AND STANDARD
TRICKS, 10 cents.

LIST OF HUNDREDS OF DECIDED BARGAINS IN

FINE USED APPARATUS FREE.

CABINET OF

SHADOWGRAPH APPARATUS.

f "MAHATMA" always on sale at my

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WITH YOUR ADVERTISEMENT PRINTED ON THEM,

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o

NEW ! !
These Cabinets comprise a complete set of properties used in
the production of shadow pictures, together with a fully Illustrated Hook of Instructions showing the shadows and position
of the hands and fingers. The properties numbering 20 pieces
--" put up in a handsome box, which is sent free of charge on
are
recei?ipt oi 60 cents.

Can be engaged for Churches, Lodges,

Theatres, etc.
Address all communications to
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WANTED OLD AND NEW BOOKS

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D. CODING,
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-ON-

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IN ALL LANGUAGES. SEND NAMES AND PRICES.

ALL GOODS GUARANTEED PERFECT.

lOOji W. 25th St., New York.
One door from (>tli Avenue.

Send your photos to me, also photos of prominent magicians at home and abroad, what I
CEO. H. LITTLE,
propose to do is after I have received a large number I intend to have the same photo- PRESTIDICITATEUR
AND
graphed in a large picture containing all of said photos, thus combining all in one. These
SHADOWCRAPHIST.
shall be placed on sale for their actual cost. Kindly send all letters in care of MAHATMA.
CAN BE ENGAGED FOR CLUBS, LODGES, Etc.

W.

E . R O B I N S O N , Care Matatma, 493 Sixth Ave., New York.

Address MAHATMA, 493 6th Avc, N. Y.

/IDabatma.

PLAYING ONLY THE LEADING FIRST CLASS THEATRES.

NOW

BOOKINC SEASONS OF '96, '97, '98.

BURLINGTON.
ALBANY.

All his work was splendidly done, with an ease and grace
that brought torth enthusiastic applause.
'Burlington 'Daily News, Sift. 4th.

The ease and dexterity of his Legerdemain (a truly npproprbte term in this easel, has not been surpassed here, and in
many instances not equaled. They defied detection even when
done in the auditorium instead of the stage, as many of them
were. Slate, Aug. 30th.

Powell's fame does not rest alone on his digital dexterity, but
equally well founded on his illusions. Those presented were the
"Astr.il Body." "She." "The Cabinet of Phantoms," "Double
Rapid Transit, " and "Noah's Ark," all of which were perfect in
every detail.l?Qrv-s, St-pt. 5/*.

His palming is the most wonderful and best ever seen in

Albany. * * * He kept up a flow of witty and pleasant
conversation, in this respect he has no rival.
Evening Journal, Aug. -}oth.

POTTSFIELD.

* * * And it was in every sense of the word. Many of

the most difficult tricks were done in the Auditorium, and yet
every effort at detect ion .was futile. He has also the happy faculty of making witty remarks in the proper place, and keeps his
audience in thorough good humor.
"Unify Press Knickerbocker, Aug. 30th.

In the part devoted to sleight uf hund, Mr. Powell proved

himself a thorough master.Berkshire Eve. Eagle, Aug. 3 1.
His feats with flowers and his Spanish Tambourine were
both pretty and astonishing, and though done in the aisles, in
full view and surrounded by his audience, nobody detected his
methods, in a word he held his own most creditably with the
most skillful illusions in America.
'''Berkshire Sunday IRcconi, Sept. 1st.

MONTHELIER.
Powell's illusions are thoroughly entertaining, and are moreover, novelties. His stage presence is so graceful and easy that
it must arouse a feeling of envy in the necromantic bosoms of
his rivals. Then his skill with his hands must be seen to be at
all appreciated.Sept. 8th.

POWELL,

"

of |

MARTINKA & CO.,

AND IMPORTERS OF

JTNE ]V[AGIGAL APPARATUS,

493 SIXTH
LARGEST

ANU

MOST

AVENUE, NEW YORK.

COMFLETK
STOCK
IN THIS COUNTRY.

OK

FINE

APPARATUS

apparatus of evert? hino maoe to orber.

Our complete fully illustrated Book Catalogue with 500 engravings and description of every Trick and Novelty (
up to date, will be sent on receipt of 1 5 c . Illustrated Catalogue of Parlor Tricks free on application.

IMPORTANT TO MAGICIANS.
Since the issue of the new tariff we have reduced the price of extra fine Figured Felt, imported specially for
Magicians' table coverings, from 4 O cents to 2 5 cents per square foot. Send 2 cent stamp for Samples.
493 SI2T:K

NEW ADDITIONS.
-_..nc-...'_^i^ _-ju_m- M l c L 3SrG'\^7"New book by
Professor Holl'man: beautifully In.mid and fully illustrated, 394 pages, $1.50.
D e m o n H a n d . - A perfectly modeled hand is shown
and placed with the linger tips on top of a pack of cards contained in a
transparent goblet. At vomnuind the hand picks out any chosen card
from the pack while the performer is amongst the audience, 86.00.
Detachable Magician's Pocket.Useful for getting rid and producing articles like handkerchiefs, eggs, bowls, etc. Can betaken
otl' and put on instantly, SI.SO.
Palming Apparatus ['orBilliard
Balls, Eggs, etc. With the help of this apparatus any one can
perform the feat of palming round articles with ease, 50 cts.

MANUFACTURERS

SALOO"~V
, W.C.

. HIGH

THF. ONI-V PAPER IN THE UNITKI) STATLS DI VOTF.D TO THE INTERESTS OF MAGICIANS, SPIRITUALISTS, MESMERISTS, E T C .

VOL.

I.

No. X.

NEW YORK, MARCH, 1898.

SINGLE COPY, 10 CENTS

It is with pleasure that we present to the readers of

this month the peer of all magicians up to the
present. Where is there a professional or amateur who
does not strive to attain the skill acknowledged by all to be

tricks talked about and different opinions given as to how

they are done. This in itself gives an idea of the perfection
of his art when the profession are unable to see how his
experiments are accomplished, surely he must indeed have
his art at his fingers' ends when he so surely and cleverly
appears before his [audience to deceive and amuse them.

possessed by Mr. Kellar; the leader in originality, continually improving his art and the perfect master of magic. In
a gathering of professionals you will constantly hear Kellar's

That Mr. Kellar'undoubtedly owes much of his popularity

to his talented wife who so ably assists him in his entertainment, does not detract from the wonderful skill display-

HARRY KELLAR.

MAHATMA

M ah at ma

MAHATMA.
ISSUED THE Hi OF EACH MONTH.
A:
G

, w.c.
SUBSCRIPTION, $i.oo PER YEAR, SINGLE COPIES IO CENTS.
RATES OF ADVERTISEMENTS.Twenty cents per line, nonpareil type measure; space of one
inch. $2 40 each insertion. Deduction of 20 per cent, is allowed on advertisements when paid
for three months in advance, and on advertisements measuring 50 lines or more.
Remittances should be made by check, post office or express money order, or registered
letter.
MAHATMA would ask as a favor that all magicians will send their
address and all news appertaining to magicians to this office, and
also names of persons interested in magic. The aim of this paper is
to reach all magicians. There are many persons interested in magic
who have never heard of this paper, please send us the address of any
whom you may know. Anything new in magic will be published
and credit given to person sending it.
HARKY KKLLAKCONTINUED.

ed by him in his performances which are acknowledged to

be the strongest magical show in this or any other country.
Mr. Kellar has for many years appeared only in the best
houses and has met with unparalleled success. Being a
first-class business man his bank account has grown steadily
until it is claimed by those that know that he is one of the
largest property owners of any American actor.
He has an elegant residence built by himself where he
spends his well earned vacation in entertaining his friends
in the summer. Overlooking the picturesque Hudson it is
indeed a fit home for the master of his profession.
Mr. Kellar personally is a very pleasant gentleman to
meet, with a kind word to the amateur and good advice to
all who dabble in magic.
o
CRYSTAL BOX AND HANDKERCHIEFS.
Our readers are no doubt familiar with the popular trick introduced some time ago by Prof. Guibal, and originally performed by
Verbeck, in London. It consists in placing two handkerchiefs into a
paper cone from where they vanish to appear in a crystal box which
has been shown empty.
There is however a disadvantage in the use of the box as it must
be held on the hand of performer in such a way as to conceal the
bottom, where between two glasses the handkerchiefs are concealed.
Martinka & Co. have made a box where this is obviated and all six
sides may be freely shown, all the glasses being transparent. Can
you tell where the handkerchiefs are ? The box has the same appearance as the old one, except that the frame is a trifle wider, the
movable spring glass flap at the bottom, instead of flying up, drops

raised and fastened to flaps by means of a catch. Thus are formed

at the back on each side of the box two narrow channels into which
the handkerchiefs are pushed with a pencil or thin stick. The accompanying drawing shows construction plainly. Figure 1 repre'sents the box with closed lid and ready loaded. Figure 2 shows
interior arrangement with the square channels, one on each side.
In order to secure the proper expanding of the handkerchiefs
when released, the inventors have placed on the movable frame tiny
hooks to which the handkerchiefs are fastened by the corners. It
will now be clear to our readers that when the frame is released and
springs down the handkerchiefs are carried down by the hooks, and
thus fill the box.
BOSTON NOTES.
Alexander, the magician was seen at the Zoo week of Feb. 5th.
Otto Struck, whose work, setting and personal appearance remind one strongly of the late Alexander Herrmann, appeared at
Keith's; his work proved very acceptable.
Chas. V. Lee, in sleight of hand work graced the boards of the
Nichelodeon for two weeks.
John G. Scheidler, billed as King Kardo, also played two weeks
here.
Soto Sunetaro, the Japanese wonder worker proved a very acceptable card at the Aquarium for one week.
Hornmann, the Up-to-Date magician, was in good voice, and
was pleasing in his stay of two weeks at Austin & Stones.
Herr Schlam visited the Howard for a brief stay.
Crane, the magician, proved a pleasing worker at Keith's; his
tables, etc., were very handsome, and were made by LeRoy, the
Boston manufacturer.
Salem Sid, the Turkish card manipulator, exhibited some of his
deceptive combination card work at the Aquarium.
At the Zoo, week of Feb. 14, was introduced the Famous Parisian
sensation and mystifying illusion of "Morning" presented with
all its rich effects in the gorgeous white satin parlor; the dazzling
splendor of this room outshines anything ever seen in this country.
You see a beautiful drawing room scene transformed to a boudoir
scene, with complete change of furniture, carpets, etc., without a
single article moved from the spot. You see distinctly people enact
a scene, and then hear them speak and sing, though they are not
there at all. At this house can also be seen the Eden Musee, with
its Chamber of Horrors, which leaves here Feb. 26th.
Berol's Mystegogues gave a Sunday evening exhibit at the
Grand Opera House. These people are certainly the peers in their
second sight and mind reading without contact. The great beauty
of their work is "originality," puzzling magicians as well as novices.
Felix, who introduced rapid memory work, received generous applause at the end of his brief work. It is the intention of these people
shortly to go on the continent.
Kamoche, lady magician, appeared at the Howard, week of
Feb. 7th.
We acknowledge a visit from Taylor, the wizard, who is a veteran in magic. He was only passing through the city on a flying
trip. In appearance he is a ''wizard'" and a more genial or pleasant
performer it would be hard to rind. Success to him.

down toward the front of the box. Close to the glass at the back are
on both sides longitudinal flaps with spring hinges that nold them
when not used flat to the box. After box is prepared for the performance the flaps are bent forward, and the movable bottom frame

Boston has seen Severus Leroy, the European conjurer, who

held the boards for two weeks at Keith's Theatre, proving a strong
card; he is a clever performer, as well as a polished gentleman to meet
personally.
T. Nelson Downs made his first bow to a Boston audience at the
same house, and had them all guessing; his manipulation of coins is
truly wonderful, and he is without doubt the "King of Koins."

Mahatma
BOSTON

NOTES.

The Zarros have also visited the Hub, playing four weeks in
magic and illusions. The first two weeks the illusion was the Decapitation, and the last two weeks was seen their new illusion " I n
the Realm of Fancies," being produced on a stage brilliantly lighted
by electric lights, with a light background, which, as soon as the
illusion was over, was removed, disclosing no secret or mechanism
The Zarros carry their own electrical effects, and certainly there is
no suggestion of "Magic" about their stage. Parley Zarro is a handsome boy, perfectly self-possessed, and a great favorite.
These
people are working all the time at the very best vaudeville houses
throughout the country.
At Keith's was seen John LeClair the expert juggler and illusionist in a pleasing act.

Fielding, the clown Juggler, was also an attraction at Keith's

where he always receives a warm welcome.
Powell is busy preparing for his annual Spring run in Philadelphia. His business there last season ; despite warm weather and the
unusually large circus attractions that cut very materially the business of all the theatres; was so good, that he is now negotiating for a
larger theatre, and will present a much stronger program in his minor
work together with two new and original illusions, that will create a
sensation in the world of magic.
It is with regret that we announce the death of Herrmann the
Great. For many years he has been the most prominent magician
in the world. That he is so ably succeeded by his nephew will not let
the name be forgotten.

THE CABARET DU N1ANT.

The above engraving is taken at random from the recently published work entitled " Magic Stage Illusions, etc.," by A. HOPKINS.
This handsome large volume, contains over 400 fine illustrations on over 500 pages. It is an entirely new book on illusions and contains
everything an up-to-date magician should know. Science in the theatre is fully described with elaborate cuts. Automata, mental magic,
trick photography, fire eating, sword swallowing, ventriloquism, shadowgraphy, in fact everything- relating to magic and kindred arts is
represented and lucidly explained. In the next issue of MAHATMA it will give a description and explanation with diagrams of the "Cabaret
du Niant." This book is for sale by Messrs. Martinka & Co., see advertisement on last page.

MAGICAL APPARATUS.
Reliable Goods at
Moderate Prices.
LARGE STOCK.

<BIG VARIETY.

Send stamp for my 1898 List and regular Catalogue of tricks.

A. ROTERBERG,
145 ILLINOIS STKKBT,
CHICAGO, IIX.

Sole Chicago Agent for M a h a t m a .

Copies of the latter always on hand.

Magical Apparatus,
Illusions,

Ventriloquist Figures, Punch

Figures, Books on Magic, Wax
Figures, Show Property, etc.
ADDRESS:

W. II. J. SHAW,
159 Augusta Street,
Chicago, 111.

New Era Card Tricks.

By A. ROTERBERG.
The great book on Up-to-Date Card Conjuring, conceded
by all intelligent and progressive magicians to be the best book
of its kind ever published.
Hundreds of flattering testimonials received in regard to
this book. 284 pages, 204 superior illustrations. Finely bound
in red maroon cloth and gold, and printed on the best paper.
Price, postage prepaid, S 2 . O O .
Obtainable at the following repositories.
fMARTlNK,./! & CO., 491 Sixth avenue, & Y.
W. D. LEROY, 103 Court Street, Boston, Mass.
B- -4JI.EY & Tl^lPP, 49? Washington St., Boston, ZMass.
C. L. BURUJGA(ME
& CO.,"Hox 851, Chicago.
CHAS. CSRJFFIK, Suffern, N, J.
IV. H. J. SH>.41V, 159 *_4ugusta St., Chicago, lit,
A. ROTERBERG, 145 Illinois St., Chicago, III.

Mahatma

l'ROF.

F.I.I I' 'I I ,

i'I

BOSTON.

T H E NEW CIGAR TRICK.

Ordinary cards non-prepared given for examination and are thoroughly shuffled by members of audience. Some person is told to
think of a card. Performer now requests a second person to think of
any number between one and fifty-two. This being done performer
takes deck face downwards on the flat of his outstretched left hand.
Performer now ruffles the cards with his thumb (left) not looking at
cards at all, and calls particular attention to the fact that the cards
arc too new or to stiff or to old for the trick, but he will try and do the
trick. Now slightly slope the deck, viz: the top card of deck being
nearer body than the bottom card, this latter being the furtherest card
from the body. Now addressing the first person: "will you kindly
be so kind as to name card." Whatever the answer given regarding
the card the performer says: honestly and candidly I knew you were
going to name that card from the other remaining 51 cards. In fact
I was positive of the card, but I wanted you to name the card so that
our friend here who was so kind as to think of some unknown number for me would appreciate the trick. Whilst saying this long but
good patter, the right hand thumb ruffles up the corners of the cards
nearest corner of right wrist, quickly get sight of the index of the
cards and slip your trustworthy little finger of left hand above the
card.
You may have to ruffle the cards three times in order to get sight
of card, but in practice you can nine times out of ten get the card
before your second ruffle. Bring the card to the top of deck by double
hand pass and directly call particular attention to the fact that the
bottom card is in no ways altered or changed for another. Now addressing second person and say, by the way at what number did
you want the card to appear from the top of the pack ?
The number being given, say: I have the identical number on a
card here in my pocket, also the name of the card. (In your pants
pocket have a blank card and a little sharp lead pencil, when you
address second person for the number have your right hand in pocket
on lead pencil and quickly write the number down, also abreviate
the card (King of Hearts would be K-H) and fold card once. To
show you that I also had your number just the same as I named
first person's card (you have done nothing of the sort), I will show
you the card which bears the name and number that you and our
friend thought of, bring forth the card from pants pocket and exhibit
it. Now deal seconds and produce the card letting person take off
the last card himself. This trick is good and I usually get the card
on the first raffle.
This is one of many good card tricks depending upon a good side
second deal; end second deals are not worthy of practice.
T H E BEST METHODS OF DEALING SECONDS.
PositionHold the deck in the left hand as though you were going
to deal with the exception that the index finger of left hand lies in a
slanting position across edges of the upper left hand corner of cards.
The little finger of left hand is midway between the two lower corners, width of deck at right angles to the distal end of the little

finger points toward right shoulder. The left hand thumb assumes
a position across the pack of the cards just as though you were going
to shove forward the top cards as in dealing. The second and ring
fingers of left hand box the cards on the left.
ExecutionPull top card (say Queen of Hearts) back towards
thumb side so that one-sixteenth to one-eighth inch separates the
two parallel lines, viz: that formed by the right hand side of the deck
and that formed by the queen of hearts. Now your index finger
(left) pulp conceals the protruding one-sixteenth inch of second card.
Now your right hand thumb and index finger grasps the protruding
one-sixteenth inch margin between the second and ring fingers of
left hand. I have dealt seconds for many years and my own peculiar
method is as follows: I have found that the thumb and second finger
of right hand can grasp the second card more naturally and quickly
if the movement is shielded by the index finger of right hand just as
it appears to take the top card, in other words I appear to take the
card between the thumb and index finger of right hand, but actually
instead use second finger of right hand which really does the work
of getting the card free from the deck, at the same time I find tr.ere
is less noise. I can tell a second dealer easily. There is a peculiar
sound which to my ears tells me ''what's up." You can't deal seconds with steamboats, you must have glazed cards, and the white
margin on the backs of all good cards must be your guide, viz:
Never think of pulling the top card' back till you see the red or.blue
body of the card. There is also a peculiar action of the wrist, a
slight flexion each and every time a card is drawn. This is one of
the many movements of expert card manipulating that magicians do
not know, consequently I would advise all interested to practice it
slowly at first.
It is of great use to magicians, a card is selected, replaced (double
hand pass) card on top. "How many cards from top would you like
to have your card appear ?" Any number. After the number is given
show bottom card of deck, then deal seconds. A good second dealer
can let you look over his shoulder and deal the whole deck from beneath the top card, and you would never mistrust him of dealing
unfairly. Gamblers not only deal seconds but can throw them
around the table with a natural throw right off from a second. This
sleight will no doubt prove acceptable, and if practiced thoroughly
will pay the magician well for his trouble.
ELLIOTT.
NEWS OF T H E DAY.
Imro Fox, the well known comic conjurer, after a long engagement at the Folies Bergeres, Paris, has appeared in Munich; Antwerp, Amsterdam, Roterdam, and is at present at the Empire in
London. Before returning to the United States he contemplates a
visit to St. Petersburg and Moscow, in Russia.
Nelson Downs, the King of Coins, has met with considerable success in this city, playing in all the leading houses here.
Jewett, who is so well known in the East, is still mystifying his
audiences with his entertainments.
Horace Goldin, the humorous wizard, has made an enviable reputation on the variety stage. The egg bag is one of Goldin's hits.
That he appears in the best houses speaks well for his skill.
Clivette, the juggler and shadowgraphist, is starring in the West.
Stevenson, the Brooklyn magician, has had his share of patronage
this past season.

NEW

TRICKS.

New 100 Page Pictorial Catalogue, with Pictures of Leading

Professionals.

LATEST EUROPEAN NOVELTIES.

Magic, Second Sight and anti-Spiritualism. Up-to-date. Send
15c. for same. No free list.
W. D. L E R O Y , 103 Court Street, Boston, Mass.

Mahatma
MAHATMA'S PAPER AND CIGAR TRICK.
This problem is simple and the interest of the audience
is centered in it for the reason that you have several of them
help you, thus making it more enjoyable, and giving a
chance for the performer to make some fun out of it, if he
chooses so to do.
The performer borrows a cigar from some one in the audience, and lets the person make a mark on it so that he
will know it when it is returned to him after the experiment. The performer holding it in his hand and placing it
on one of his tables in a small holder and without changing
it. He then takes three small pieces of paperred, white
and blueand asks a lady in the audience to hold one end
of them, and a gentleman the other, the performer cutting
off three small ends which the lady holds and the large
pieces the gentleman holds. The performer then produces
two envelopes, letting the lady place the three small pieces
inside and hold the envelope. The other envelope he takes
to some one else in the audience, shows that there is nothing inside of it, and asks him to please hold it. The performer then takes the three large pieces held by the gentleman and holding them high so that all can see them he
walks upon the stage and with sleeves rolled up he rubs the
three pieces of paper until they are so small that he can pass
them inside of the cigar that he has borrowed, which he
proceeds to do. A piece of newspaper is given for examination and a cornucopia made of it, closing the top with his
wand so that it is impossible for the performer to place anything inside, and is then given to a gentleman in the audience
to hold. The performer then states that he is going to pass
the cigar inside of the cornucopia that the gentleman is holding. That seems impossible as the cornucopia was shown
to be empty, but the gentleman upon opening it at the
request of the performer finds a cigar, and upon breaking it
open he finds the three large pieces of paper, red, white and
blue. The performer then asks the young lady that is holding the envelope with the three small pieces insideof course
she is sure as she has held it all the time, but upon the performer opening it and to the astonishment of the young
lady the small pieces have disappeared and are not inside
where they were placed by the young lady herself. The
performer then opens the envelope held by the gentleman
which was shown to be empty and inside is found the three
small pieces of paper which fit perfectly the three large
pieces held by the gentleman that had the cigar. The performer then calls attention to the fact that it is an impossibility for any person to substitute either of the three pieces
of paper, if they were to do so they would not fit as these
pieces do perfectly. After the amazement of the audience
the performer proceeds to apologize to the gentleman for
the broken cigar, but after the audience has enjoyed a good
laugh at the expense of the gentleman who was kind
enough to loan a good cigar for the experiment; the performer then says he will try and restore the cigar again for
the gentleman. He takes the pieces and commands his
assistant to make a small cornucopia to place the pieces in,
which he does. The performer then passes his wand over

it, and opens the cornucopia which has never left the eyes
of the audience, and inside is found the cigar restored and
the gentleman upon examination of course identifies it. If
the performer so wishes, and uses good judgment in his
selection of persons to assist him in this experiment, considerable fun can be had out of it, for there are so many interested with him in showing the trick that duplicity cannot
be charged to so many, thus giving the performer a chance
to secure all the credit himself and without any mechanism
of any kind to help him. An explanation follows:
In the first place the three pieces of paper shown and
used in this experiment are only dummies for the occasion.
The performer before his entertainment has taken three
pieces of paper similar to the ones used, and by the aid of
the cigar maker has a cigar made with the three pieces
insidethe three small pieces he places inside of an envelope
which has a double compartment in itthe right way to do
is to cut the back out of an envelope and place it inside of
the envelope, making the paper the same and the audience
cannot detect it as the performer opens it each time himself.
For instance when the young lady places the three pieces
inside the performer holds the envelope and closes it, that is,
half closes it by merely folding the flap inside which covers
the extra back inside, and when opened you can find the
three pieces inside, or not, according as you open it. The
gentleman that you give the empty envelope, really has the
three small pieces inside which the extra back covers. When
the performer takes the three pieces of paper on the stage
and passes them inside of the cigar, he really rubs them
inside of the vanisher and they disappear up his back to be
thrown away after the entertainment. The piece of paper
shown to the audience to be empty, has nothing in it but
when the performer closes the end of it with his wand so
that his hands do not come near it, and of course cannot
place anything inside, not so with the wand which is hollow, only one end being stopped up, which the audience
can see as it rests upon the table. Upon tipping the wand
when you are closing up the cornucopia the cigar falls inside,
and when given ro the gentleman to hold, it has the cigar
inside. When you take up the cigar to pass it inside of
the cornucopia that the gentleman is holding you get rid of
the cigar any way you like, in the trap of your table, or
drop it on the servante when you pick up your wand.
When you restore the cigar the paper which is used to
place the pieces of cigar inside is a half sheet of paper
doubled up and glued on the sides, thus leaving the top
open which makes a pocket to place the pieces in, and
when your assistant makes a cornucopia for you he drops
the cigar inside and you place the broken cigar in the pocket
and when you open it of course the good cigar falls out,
and the broken cigar is in the pocket and cannot be seen.
If the performer will immediately crumple the paper up and
throw it one side as though it were but a piece of common
paper, the audience will never suspect it. Also the cigar
when made by the cigar maker should be made with a dark
wrapper and when you ask for a cigar borrow a dark one.
Let the reader study out these principles and they can be
used in other tricks to advantage.

Mahatma
CHEMISTRY OF MAGIC.
For those of our readers interested in magical experiments
produced by the aid of chemical combinations, we submit a
number of interesting formulas that will suggest various
uses they can be put to in the service of magic.
THE MAGIC GLASS OF WATER.Put a pinch of finely
ground and sifted red sanders in a glass of water, and the
liquid will at once assume a red color similar to that of
claret. It this liquid be poured into another glass, previously
rinsed with a lew drops of vinegar, it will assume a beautiful tint, resembling that of brandy. If a little potassa be
added to it. it will change back to its original color, and,
finally, if a litth- alum be introduced, it will become as black
as ink; so that, to a person not in the secret, it would seem
as if claret, brandy and ink had been obtained from a simple
glass of water.
WATER CHANGED INTO WINE.Place in a glass a solution
of sulphocvanide of potassium or of ammonium. This solution (which is very poisonous) will appear as limpid as
water. Pour the liquid into another glass, in the bottom of
which has been placed a minute quantity of sulphate of
peroxide of iron, and it will at once change to a red color.
The sulphate of peroxide of iron may be obtained by pulverizing some copperas and exposing it to the air.
WINE CHANGED INTO WATER.Dissolve is grains of permanganate of potash in a quart of water, and a liquid will
be obtained resembling claret in color. Add to this solution
45 grains of tartaric acid.
Put into a bottle a few crystals of hyposulphite of soda
and a little water and rinse a glass with the solution. If
the permanganate solution be now poured into the glass, it
will be instantaneously decolorized.
WINE CHANGED INTO MILK.If vinegar be added to tincture of iodine, a beautiful red liquid resembling claret in
appearance will be obtained. It into this we pour a solution
of hyposulphite of soda, we shall obtain a milky white
liquid (due to the deposition of sulphur), and a credulous
spectator might be led to believe that wine had really been
changed into milk.
WATER AND WINE FROM THE SAME PITCHER.Prepare some
water chemically by adding to each pint 40 drops of chloride
of iron and a few drops of sulphuric acid. The glasses in
which it is desired to have the wine-colored liquid appear
are then prepared by rinsing them with a solution made in
the proportion of one drachm of sulphocyanide of ammonium and one drop of a solution of nutgall in alcohol. One
drop of this in each glass is sufficient. When the prepared
water is poured into these glasses, it is instantly changed to
a wine color. This may be changed back to water color
again by the addition of a solution of acetate of lead. The
instantaneous changes produced seem magical.
A PURPLE, GREEN AND RED LIQUID FROM THE SAME BOTTLE.

Boil some leaves of red cabbage, and after half an hour's

ebulition we shall have a beautiful purple liquid, which,
when cold, may be put into a bottle for future use. Take
three glasses. Let one be perfectly clean, in the second put
a drop of ammonia, and in the third a drop of sulphuric

acid. The liquid poured into the clean glass will, of course,
preserve its original color, that in the second will turn green,
and that in the third will become red.
If the odor of cabbage is disagreeable, the flowers of mallows, dark colored hollyhocks, or red pelargoniums may be
used.
COLORS ASSUMED BY FLOWERS UNDER THE ACTION OF FLUIDS

AND BASES.Through a series of very elegant experiments,

Messrs. Filhol and Gaston Tissandier have shown that a large
number of violet or rose-colored flowers immersed in ether
to which a little ammonia has been added become a very
beautiful green. Such are the rose geranium, the violet
periwinkle, red roses, the heliotropes, etc. The action is the
same with red-dish colored leaves, such as those of the purple beech, for example.
Submitted to the action of the same liquid, white flowers
become yellow, while yellow flowers, on the contrary, generally retain their color. With flowers of a non-uniform
color, the results are still more curious. Thus the upper
petals of the violet sweet pea turn dark blue, while the lower
assume a bright green color. The white extremity of the
dielytra becomes yellow and the external petals metallic
gray. If we expose slightly moist flowers to the vapor of
ammonia, as has been done by Mr. Gabba, the results are
the same, but it takes longer for the action to occur.
The coloring matter of these flowers is not destroyed, for
if, after treating them with ammonia, they be immersed in
pure water, they will resume their tints in a few days.
On another hand, these flowers submitted to acid vapors
(to the vapor of hydrochloric acid, for example) become
in a few hours a beautiful carmine red, which they preserve
when they are put in a dry place and in the shade, after they
have been dried in the air and in darkness.
Immersed in a dilute solution of potassa or soda, the same
flowers give colorations analogous to those that they take
on under the action of ammonia, but they come out of the
solution deteriorated. The color first taken by the flowers
is blue, and does not become green until some little time
afterward.
Colored hollyhocks, the white and red pelargoniums and
the corn poppy become blue and then green when they are
immersed in a basic liquid, and assume a bright color under
the action of powerful acids.
0

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Advices from London report that Buatier de Kolta, the master

magician, has reappeared again on the scene after a seclusion for
about two years. He has invented a new and startling illusion which
he presents at the London Aquarium. The effect is as follows:
In the centre of the stage is standing an upright ladder supported
by wire ropes from above. DeKolta climbs upon this ladder in full
view of the audience when he reaches near top of ladder he suddenly
vanishes. DeKolta has in perfecting this novel illusion given new
proof of the fertility of his brain and originality of conception.
Elmer Ransom, the Lyceum artist, is still entertaining large
audiences with his original magic.
Stevenson, the Brooklyn magician, has had his share of patronage this past winter.
Prof. Elliott, of Boston, has won considerable distinction in chess
circle, having just won a $50 match game

Mahatma
CHICAGO NOTES.
The chief events of importance to Chicago enquiries of late were
of course, the entertainments given by Prof. KKI.LAR at McVicker's
Theatre, and that of Mr. HENRY

DIXKY at the Great

Northern

Theatre.
The novelties (to Chicagoans) introduced by Mr. KEI.LAR were
some new features of the blue Room Mystery, Kellar's Hindoo Clock,
a novel Table Lifting and other minor feats. The tricks and the
numerous stage illusions which Mr. Kellar gets up and introduces in
a masterly manner, were, in the main, the same as seen before. Kellar's show proved a financial as well as an artistic success, large
crowds attending every performance.
A great deal of curiosity was displayed by local conjurers in
regard to Mr. Dixey's Chicago debut in the role of a conjurer. Although a few of the tricks presented by Mr. Dixey might be changed
to advantage, for others, the entertainment as a whole, was a very
pleasant surprise to the initiated. Dixey's perfect stage presence, his
brilliant address and witty patter stamp him a conjurer with a brilliant career before him. Although Mr. Dixey drew good houses, it
is to be hoped that the next time he comes here, he will perform at a
theatre more popular than the Great Northern.
Mr. Soto Stmataro, the famous Japanese necromancer filled several successful engagements in the vicinity of Chicago and stopped
in our city for several days, preparatory to going East. Mr. Surataro reports a profitable season.
Dr. Merlin and Margaret Hayden, who without a doubt, perform one of the best taking second sight acts in existence, are again
at the Londen Musee and are attracting the usual interested crowds.
Prof. Roltair, who is famed for putting up the finest optical illusions ever seen, passed through Chicago, being on his way to Omaha
on the fair grounds of which city Mr. Roltair will erect a magnificent
palace of illusions, which, it is said, will surpass all of Mr. Roltair's
former efforts.

Prof. Murdell, a clever and promising magician, has been obliged

to abandon the magical business, owing to extremely poor health,
After selling his outfit to another local conjurer, Mr. Laflein, Murdell
left to seek a new home and health in California.
The Jarretts, illusionists and marionette workers, closed a highly
successful engagement at the Haymarket Theatre and then left for
Joliet, 111., where Mr. Jarrett has taken the management of a variety
theatre.
Miss May Davenport, a popular artist and proprietress of a burlesque show, travelling through the smaller towns, has just added
magic to her repertory and has met with good success in her new
venture.
Prof, Durno, the Rockford magician who lias been touring
Indiana and Illinois, has been obliged to come to Chicago, owing to
inclemency of weather and scarcity of money in the part of the country through which the show was booked. He has accepted an engagement at the new Drexel Theatre, commencing on Feb. 21st.
After that he will resume his place at the head of his show, which
will be taken out under a new manager.
Messrs. Ritchie, Hueston and other Chicago performers all report plenty of dates.
Mr. Wm. N. Selig, a well known local illusionist, has of late applied himself to the manufacture of superior films for moving pictures. He has met with splendid succes in this line and is head of
the Multiscope and Film Co. of this city.
Prof. Biena, Austrian conjurer and card expert, is catering exclusively to the Austrians and Bohemians of this city and neighor.
ing cities. Prof. Biena has a good outfit and is meeting with merited
success.
Mr. George Patterson, who toured the South in 1896 under the
professional name of Winton, the Wonder, is laying off in this city,
preparatory to taking out a new show.

The- Tanakas, clever Japanese illusionists and top-spinners,

Among the many people, who lost heavily by the recent fire of the made a big hit at the Olympic and Chicago Opera House.
Coliseum, are Mr. Morley, who lost his X Ray Illusion and Dr. ValThe Chicago dealers, Messrs. Roterberg, Shaw and Burlingame
entine (Sig. Blitz) who lost a set of valuable paintings.
are all filling orders, the season being at its height.
E. Barnello, the famous old times fire king, has retired from the
The reappearance of Mahatma is anxiously awaited by all Chicbusiness and is now located at his home ia Cerro Gordo, 111. He will
ago
conjurers.
be pleased to hear from his many professional friends.
Mr. Lou Burt, known as Loubertina, a prominent Detroit conjurer and ventriloquist, recently paid a visit to several Chicago
dealers.
Mr. Harry Russell of Wheaton, 111., who travels as " Russell the
Hindoo Wonder Worker," is doing exceptionally good buisness
throughout Missouri and Wisconsin. Mr. Russell introduces all the
late stage illusions in places where such things have never been seen
besides giving a rattling good magical show. Hence his success.
Prof. Bennett, a Kansas City magician, recently located in Chicago and did a profitable business teaching tricks to business people,
Owing to the ill health of his wife Mr. Bennett was forced to leave
for the Pacific coast, where, no doubt, he will do well, as he is an exceptionally clever performer of parlor tricks.
Robert Ernest, the clever Danish magician formerly known as
" Ehrenstein," has again located in Chicago, after a highly successful tour through Denmark, England, etc.
Mr. Ernest has adopted commercial pursuits and will from now
on give private entertainments only. He is booked to appear before
the Marquette Club, March 3d.
Magic has at last reached sedate Evanston, one of Chicago's aristocratic suburbs. Messrs. Adams and Webster, two clever Evanston
amateurs were the first to introduce magical entertainments in
churches, etc., and have met with such success that others have
followed in their wake.

P. S.My original Kard Trick

for Magicians can be had only of
me. Typewritten minute instructions with photographs to accompany same.
Can furnish
anything pretending to cards.
(Enclose 2c. stamp for early
reply.) No postals answered.
Sincerely yours,

ELLIOTT,
The Challenge Champion Kard
ulator of the World.
Private

Manip-

/'. 0. Lock Box No. 1551,

BOSTON, MASS., U. S. A.
J, A, RICHARDSON,

Backer and Manager.

Mahatma
MANUFACTURERS OF

Professor J. Bland's

Conjuring Tricks, Illusions,

Ventriloquial Heads and Figures,
Puzzles, Marionettes,
Shadowgraphy,
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MAGICAL PALACE,
35 New Oxford Street, London.

}{AWLE]TS

Manufacturer of

MAGICAL SALOONS

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229 HICH HOLBORN, LONDON.

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The Magical Palace is one of the Sights of London.

Nt'io complete Catalogue just
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IMPORTERS OF

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<):* SIXTH AVENUE, N E W YORK.
Our fully Illustrated Book Catalogue with 500 Engravings, will be
mailed TREE on receipt of 1 5 Cents.
Illustrated Catalogue of Parlor Tricks, free on application.

NEW PUBLICATIONS ON MAGIC.

M A < ; I C , Illusions, etc., by AI.BKRT A. HOPKINS, large, handsomely bound volume,
with over 500 high grade Illustrations on 550 pages, containing every Illusion up to date. Sent prepaid
for $2.50. Pamphlet with full list of contents and sample illustrations, sent free on application.
H O U R S

W I T H

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by HENRY RIDGELY EVANSIllustrated investiga-

tions into the realms of Spiritualism and Theosophy; 297 pages; bound in cloth. Price, $1.00.
H K K K M A N N , the magician; by H. Burlingame, illustrated Book of his Life, and his
secrets, 29S pages, bound in cloth. Price, Si.oo,

Magical Apparatus and Mechanical Effects for Theatres made to order.

ESTIMATES
T h e M y s t e r i o u s Clock.
FURNISHED
A great hit with all audiences. A
magnificent piece of apparatus.
A crystal dial, beveled and gold figures, mounted
upon an elaborate gilt pedestal; hand is
taken off and shown around, also clock,
when hand is put on again it will indicate
any number, cards, dice, etc., at will of
performer without going near it. It works
on any table or chair. Price, $25.00.

229, HIGH

'.OICAL SALOONS,
N, LONDON, W.C.

llltl.
T H E ONLY PAPER IN THE UNITED STATES DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF MAGICIANS, SPIRITUALISTS, MESMERISTS, E T C .

NEW YORK, APRIL, 1898.

SINGLE COPY, 10 CENTS

The well known juggler, magician and shadowgraphist,

whom we present to our readers this month is a performer
to well known to need much comment. Mr. Clivette and
his talented wife present one of the finest entertainments
ever giveu before to the American public. The future for this
enterprising couple is certainly a very bright one. Clivette

inal and he makes them appear lifelike. A good magician,

and in fact as near perfect as can be in grace and deportment
upon the stage, his star is assuming very large proportions
at the present time in America. He has appeared in all the
principal theatres in the United States and Burope, and newspapers all join in the general acclamation of praise and endorsement of his novel and clever act. A college graduate
of one of our famous institutions, he is a man of excellent

is a born juggler and it must be conceded that we have

never had a more skillful juggling act than the one presented
by this talented performer. As a shadowgraphist he is the
peer of them all. Never has his equal in presenting this
novel act ever appeared in New York. Hisfiguresare orig-

education, thoroughly posted on all subjects, and a person

whom you might imitate to your benefit and honor to the
profession. They are booked for Europe this coming summer and will return in time for their winter tour here,
when he will introduce some new magical experiments.

CL1VETTE.

Ma hat ma

MAHATMA.
ISSUED THE 1ST OF EACH MONTH.

,K S A L O O M S ,
AKDSJHECN1V,^1<JWDO.NS. W . C .
Suusckii'iioN, S'-oo PER YEAR, SINGLE COTIES IO CENTS.
RATHS Oh ADVERTISEMENTS Twenty cents per line, nonpareil type measure; space of one
inch, $2 40 each insertion. Deduction of 20 per cent, is allowed en advertisements when paid
for three months in advance, and on advertisements measuring 50 lines or more.
Remittances should be made by check, post office or express money order, or registered
letter.

MAHATMA would ask as a favor that all magicians will send their
address and all news appertaining to magicians to this office, and
also names of persons interested in magic. The aim of this paper is
to reach all magicians. There are many persons interested in magic
who have never heard of this paper, please send us the address of any
whom you may know. Anything new in magic will be published
and credit given to person sending it.
MAHATMA can be purchased in London only at Hamleys, 220 High
Holborn, dealer in magical apparatus.
THE HAT AND BALL TRICK.
The trick is performed as follows: The performer borrows two
high hats, which are placed on two separate tables, far apart. He now
brings forward a basket filled with solid cloth balls, which after they
are examined, he drops one by one into one of the hats, and finally
puts a plate on top of it. The other empty hat he covers with another
plate. Performer now commands the balls from the one hat to leave
and appear in the other. Plates are removed and the exchange is
demonstrated. A glance at the accompanying illustration will explain the mystery. _One of the hats has a trap in its crown and is

placed directly over a trap in the table. The solid balls which are
dropped into the hat find their resting place inside of the table which
is provided with a box to accommodate the balls. The other hat is
not prepared, but the plate has a double bottom in which are compressed an equal number of spring balls. A pressure on a projecting button release the balls which drop into the hat underneath. The
prepared hat is taken care of by a confederate.
Powell begins his annual run in Philadelphia at the iith Street
Opera House, Monday, May 2d.
Hewes, the White Yogi, is giving his magical entertainment in
the West. Mr. Hewes is a very pleasant and able performer.
W. E. Floyd, the magician, has booked for the summer season
at the railroad parks. This is his third season over this route.

THE MYSTERIOUS HEAD.

BY \ V M . E. ROBINSON,
THK

MAN Oh MYSTERY.

One of the most mystifying as

well as ingenious illusions presented to the public is that of the
mysterious head. The spectators
on entering the room the exhibition is given in, behold setting on
a small lightly built table a large
globe of water and gold fish, in the
mdst of which is also ? living
'head. It turns from side to side,
of->ens and closes its eyes and gives
other proofs of its being a living
and not a dummy head. The table is turned completely
around showing the rear as well as side of table and globe,
and at the same time proving there is absolutely no connection between the table and floor, doing away with idea of
traps, etc. This clever trick calls to its aid the employment
of mirrors, but in a different manner than is ordinarily used.
I here is also a little trickery about the globe of water and
lish. It would be an impossibility for a human head to exist
in water the length of time required for the exhibition of
the above trick.
An inspection of C will give the reader an idea of the construction of the fish globe. It is a double sided affair, forming an inside and outside compartment. The inside is bottomless and roofed over; this allows the head to be introduced from beneath and the top being covered over no water can reach
the head. The outside compartment
contains the water and gold fish.
We will now describe the construction of the table and how the persons body the head belongs to is
concealed. A glance at cut will help
to convey the idea. The table is composed of four legs, a top and a bottom. The legs cross or meet one
another about halfway down towards
the bottom and then spread out
again and are made fast to a bottom
same shape as top of table. The bottom is mounted on wheels so as to
turn the table, the legs in the above
position causes four open spaces of
nearly triangular shape to be formed
between where they join and the top
of the table, and leaning at an angle
of "45 degress toward the .bottom
0/ the table. Now these four spaces
are filled in with looking glasses, see
B. The bottom of the table is covered with cloth same as the curtained background at rear of
the table. This bottom is reflected in all four mirrors and
looks like the real background, and no matter how the table
is turned the reflection is always the same and always there.
Something unheard of before in illusions of like kind. The
top of the table has a hole or loop in it for the persons head
to come through. Of course the persons body is concealed
behind the glasses.
0
Horace Goldin, the clever young magician who
has been entertaining New Yorkers for the past
three years, has just had a new illusion built
from his original ideas with which he will finish
his vaudeville act. Goldin has been thoroughly
appreciated in this city, which is attested to by
return dates in all of the principal vaudeville
houses. An act peculiar in magic, well presented
goes to-day better than ever before. Goldin has a peculiar way of
his own, copies no man, consequently he is a success.

Mahatma
BOSTON NOTES.

NEWS OF THE DAY.

Young Fredericks, was seen in magic at Austin & Stones Museum, week of Feb. 21st.
March 7th, Jewett the magician, made his initial bow to a Boston
audience at Keiths. His tables and stage setting were elegant, and
his work seemed to "catch on" with the audience.
Geo. G. Marten, at the Grand Theatre, March 14th, presented a
pleasing program of tricks. His manipulation of the diminishing
egg trick was well done.
At Keith's week of March 21st, T. Nelson Downs played a return
date. Mr. Downs is receiving the largest salary of any of our variety
hall performers. He deserves the title ''King of Koins."
LeRoy, the magician and manufacturer, has been quite busy of

Sargent, the merry wizard, is still in the business and seems to

pick up most of the magical entertainments where there is big money.
Good luck go with him.
Fransiola, the expert magician, is now booming in the principal
vaudeville theatres for the summer season.
John G. Scheidler, magician and lecturer, who was with the Barnum & Bailey Show the past two seasons, has signed with Ringler
Bros, for the coming season. He is at Chicago April 4 and rr.
Pettit & Green were playing in churches, lodges, etc., this past
month at Springfield, 111.

late.

Harry Helnies, who is at present located in Chicago, reports business as being veiy good.

At the Nickelodeon the leading feature is Capt. Castro, the wonder and marvel of the age, advertised to be nailed to a cross of wood
by both hands and feet at every performance, remaining nailed for
an hour each time.

Maro, the well known magician, has attained considerable

notoriety for his clever work. His painting of marine views, etc., in
the short time of 10 minutes, has proven a very acceptable part of
his entertainment.

MAGIC IN SQUEDI'NKPROF. SI KI OP ("ilVIN'Ci A SHOW WITH HIS HOME MADE APPARATUS.

MAGICAL APPARATUS.
Reliable Goods at
Moderate Prices.
LARGE STOCK.

<B1G VARIETY.

S e n d s t a m p for m y I 8 Q S List a n d r e g u l a r C a t a l o g u e o f t r i c k s .

A. ROTERBERG,
145 ILLINOIS STREET,
CHICAGO, ILL.
Sole Chicago Agent for M a h a t m a .
Copies of the latter always on hand.

Magical Apparatus,
Illusions,
Ventriloquist Figures, Punch
Figures, Books on Magic, Wax
Figures, Show Property, etc.
ADDKKSS:

W. IT. T. SHAW,
159 Augusta Street,
Chicago, III.

New Era (ard Tricks.

By A. ROTERBERG.
The great book oil Up-to-Date Card Conjuring, conceded
by all intelligent and progressive magicians to be the best book
of its kind ever published
Hundreds of flattering testimonials received in regard f>
this book 284 pages. 204 superior illustrations Finely bound
in red maroon cloth and gold, and printed on the best paper.
Price, postage prepaid, S 2 . O O .
Obtainable at the following repositories.
MARTINK-.A 6- CO., 491 Sixth avenue, &Q. Y.
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B- 1II.E Y & rUlPP, 4 0 ! Washington St , Boston, mass.
C. L BVRUU^GASME r CO , Vox S,-;, Chicago.
CHAS GT^IFFIN, Suffer/:, N J.
W. H /. SH.4VV, i$9 ,4ugusta St., Chicago; 111.
A. ROTERBERG, 14; Illinois St., Chicago, 111.

Mahatma
CHICAGO NOTES.
Zizka, the magician, well known to Chicago theatre goers, has
accepted an offer from the Dixey show and in company with his
wife is now with Dixey.
Mr. Alfred McEwen, the magician, ha<= a very fine collection of
magical apparatus.
Mr. Maro has just returned from a long eastern trip and reports
business as being good.
Prof. Murdell (J. S. Johnston), who went to California for his
health, died two weeks after his arrival in Los Angelos. In Murdell
we have lost a good performer.
Prof. Nemo and sister, under which name is hidden a well known
conjurer and wife, opened at the Clark Street Museum and scored a
success.
Madame Tardo, who is being nailed to a wooden cross, through
the arms, hands and feet, is also a lady magician of good address.
Prof. Durno, after making a hit at the new Drexel Theatre, has
been engaged to open at the Haymarket Theatre on March 21st.
Mr. Warren, of Chicago, who has taken up the study of magic
has the promise of a bright future in the magic world.
Harry and Bessie Houdini, who perform the new substitution
act, are the features at the Clark Street Museum.

INEXHAUSTIBLE BARREL.
On a wooden trestle rests a small Glass Barrel with faucet in the front toward the audience. The performer calls
attention to the barrel, which is quite empty, and proceeds
to fill the same with water and draws out some through the
faucet.
He then asks the audience to call out any liquid they desire to be drawn.
When selection is made, the performer draws the liquid
from the faucet into the glass and hands it to the spectator.

At the conclusion, the performer draws out a glass of

water again. A glance at the illustration will explain the
mystery.
One of the legs of the bottle is hollowed out and a tube
runs through, as shown by dotted lines. The tube connects
with the faucet and another tube which runs through and
below the stage where by means of a force pump the assistant
send up the various liquids held in readiness. A careful system of tips, has to be arranged with the assistant so that
the pump is operated only at the proper time otherwise the
mechanism may be injured.

The above cut represents Mr. Nelson Downs, and his latest invention, the Crystal Ladder, which he will present as "a special
feature at the finish of his wonderfully clever coin act. Mr. Downs
appears upon the stage without apparatus of any kind and entertains
his audience with his wit and clever work. Many return dates in
the popular houses speak well for this young man. He is justly
entitled to the name "King of Koins." The illusion was made at the
magical works of Martinka & Co.

SOMETHING NEW UNDER THE SUN.

WM. E. ROBINSON, the Man >f Mystery offers
is original illusions for sale.
Evanishment, The Weight of Love, The Ladder of Fame, The
Witches Daughter, Cupid, Kyoto, Mumbo Jumbo. Satan's Bride,
Schrive of Buddha, Birth of the Lily, The Smuggler, Life and Death,
Creation, Youth and Old Age, The Woman of Flames.
The above and more to follow are duly copyrighted and fully protected. I will prosecute
one and all infringing on my rights. Illusions improved upon. Your ideas carried out. When
in doubt write me. Books on Magic, etc , bought, sold and exchanged. Photographs of
magical celebrities for sale.
W I L L I A M E . R O B I N S O N , Care of MAHATMA, 493 Sixth Avc, New York.

JAPANESE RICE TRICK.

Make a small bag 2 x 2 inches out of white muslin, and glue
some rice on the outside of the bag; at the mouth of the bag you
fasten a spring wire to each side which holds bag closed, and by
pressing on ends of springs it will open. This can be palmed with
hand open, pick up a handful of rice with this in your hand, and pars
it from one hand to the other, some naturally spills, and when the
largest portion of it is gone you press the ends of the bag which opens
it and let the rice fall in, then make a move to pour it into the other
hand when it is gone, and you get rid of the bag in any way you see
fit.

NEW

TRICKS,

New 100 Page Pictorial Catalogue, with Pictures of Leading

Professionals.

LATEST EUROPEAN NOVELTIES.

Magic, Second Sight and anti-Spiritualism. Up-to-date. Send
15c. for same. No free list.
W. D. LF.ROV, 103 Court Street, Boston, Mass.
GEO. H. L I T T L E ,
Teacher of Magic, Shadowgraphs, Chapeaugraphy.
For terms, etc., apply to 493 6th Ave.

Mahatma
T H E " C A B A R E T DU NEANT."
The name " Cabaret du Meant," or " Tavern of the Dead" (''nonexisting,") has been given to a recent Parisian sensation ; it was also
exhibited in New York. The interest of course centers in the ghost
illusion.
The spectaters on entering the Cabaret pass through a long hall
hung with black and find themselves in a spectral restaurant. Along
the walls coffins are placed for tables, and on the end of each coffin
is a burning candle. From the centre of the ceiling hangs what is
termed " Robert Macaire's chandelier," made to all appearances of
bones and skulls. The spectators are here at liberty to seat themselves at the tables and are served with what they desire by a mournful waiter dressed like a mourner with a long crape streamer hanging
from his silk hat. Around tr.e walls of the room are placed pictures
to which the spectator's attention is called liy the lerturrr. Seen hv

AN

X-RAY

ILLUSION

UPON

T1IK

his place appears a skeleton in the coffin. Again, at the word of

command the skeleton in its turn slowly disappears, and the draped
figure of the spectator appears, again. The illusion is perfect to the
outer audience; the one in the coffin sees absolutely nothing out of
the common. His interest, if he knows what is going on, is centered
in watching the changing expression of the spectators, being increased by the fact that at their period of greatest astonishment he is ab T
solutely invisible, although directly before them more plainly than
ever. After the restoration to life one or more auditors are put
through the same performance, so that the recent occupant of the
coffin can see what he has gone through.
The third chamber is now entered, somewhat similar to.the second, but on its stage is a table and seat, all the walls being lined with
black. One of the auditors is invited to seat him,self at the table on
the stage. He does it, and, as before, sees nothing. While the de-

S T A C K C O N \ KKMOiN

the light of the room these pictures are ordinary scenes, but a new
aspect is given to each when lights directly behind it are turned on ;
the figures in it appear skeletons, each picture being in fact a transparency giving a different effect as it is lighted from the rear or as
seen simply by reflected light. The second chamber is now entered;
it is hung with black throughout. On the walls tears are painted,
and in close juxtaposition are two somewhat incongruous inscriptions,
''Reqniescat in pace," and " No smoking." The reason for the latter
admonition, which is also given by the lecturer, is that for the success
of the illusion an absolute clear atmosphere is essential. At the end
of this second chamber, at the back of a stage, is seen a coffin standing upright, in which one of the audience is requested to place himself. Entering the stage by the side door, he is conducted by an
attendant to the coffin and placed in it. Blocks of wood are placed
for him to stand on in quantity sufficient to bring his head to the
right height so that the top of it just presses against the top of the
coffin, and the attendant with great care adjusts his height according
to the predetermined position. Two rows of argand burners illuminate his figure, which is then wrapped in a white sheet. Now, as the
spectators watch him, he gradually dissolves or fades away and in

()]' A

IIVIM.

.MAN

INTO

SKELETON.

scription of the lecturer and the appearance and comments of the audience tell him something very interesting is going on, the remarks
will probably disclose to him the fact that this time at least he is
never out of their sight. He leaves the stage and his place is taken
by another, and then lie understands the nature of the drama in
which he has been an unconscious participator. He sees the other
spectator seated alone at the table. Suddenly a spirit, perhaps of an
old man, appears at the other side of the table, while a bottle and
glass are seen upon the table. When exhorted to help himself to the
liquid, the performing spectator's idle gestures show that he certainly
does not see the glass, through which his hand passes unobstructed.
Or perhaps it is a woman who appears and makes the alluring gestures toward him who never sees her. This concludes the exhibition,
which as accessory has the strains of a funeral march, the ringing
of deep-sounding bells as room after room is entered, and the
appearance of a brown-robed monk who acts as Charon to introduce the spectator to his place in the coffin. In one of our illustrations we show, side by side, the coffin with its living occupant
draped in a sheet and in the other the skeleton which appears in
his place. Our large illustration shows precisely how it is done

Mahatma
and so clearly that an exhibition is hardly needed. The floor of the
stage is represented. To the left are seen the spectators and the
performer at the piano discoursing his lugubrious melodies. To the
right is seen Charon, and directly in front of him the coffin with its
living occupant. When lighted up by the burners shown near him,
the other burners being turned down, the coffin with its occupant is
all that is seen by the spectator. Directly in front of the coffin,
crossing the stage obliquely, is a large sheet of the clearest plate
glass, which offers no impediment to the view of the coffin with its
occupant, when the latter is fully illuminated. At one side of the
stage, in the back of the picture, is a painting of a skeleton in a coffin
with its own set of Argand burners. It is screened from view.

this lies the secret of the coffin exhibit of the Cabaret du Neant. By
the blocks on which the occupant of the coffin stands, and by the adjustment of his head by the attendant, the head is brought into perfect registration with the reflected head of the skeleton. The wrapping with the sheet, presumably the enveloping in a shroud, is done
with a purpose. It covers the body from the shoulders down and
extends to the very bottom of the coffin, covering the blocks also,
thus doing away with all effects of registration which would be incurred in the persons of spectators of different heights. In other
words, the exhibition fits out everybody with a skeleton of precisely
the same height, however tall or short he may be, the draping of the
sheet and accurate position of the head concealing from the spectators
this inaccuracy, the skull occupying precisely the place of the head,
the rest taking care of itself.
.Still referring to the large cut, it will be seen that it serves to
explain the exhibition in the other chamber. Instead of the coffin
there is the table and chair, and in the place of the pictured skeleton
a live performer is placed. In this act there is no dissolving effect;
by turning up the lights at the side of the stage any object desired
and performers dressed as spirits are made to appear upon the stage,
being reflected from the glass plate. The spectators simultaneously
see their companion sitting at the table and the reflections of the
ghosts apparently executing their movements about him.
From the scientific as well as scenic aspect, the exhibiton is most
interesting, and to one who knows how it is performed, the interest
is vastly enhanced. To properly enjoy it, the stage position should
be taken during one or both performances.
* From Magic, Stage Illusions and Scientific Discoveries, includ
ing Trick Photography; edited by Albert A. Hopkins. Copyrightel
i8<)S, by Munn & Co.

When strongly illuminated, and when the lights of the real coffin are
turned down, the spectators see reflected from the glass a brilliant
image of the pictured coffin and skeleton. By turning up one set of
burners as the others are turned down a perfect dissolving effect is
obtained, skeleton replacing spectator and vice versa at the will of the
exhibitor

B. B. Keyes, was born at Sand witch, Mass., in 1837, and died

in Chelsea, Mass., Nov. 1S95. He was a rare genius in many respects, having invented many tricks and illusions, notably the illusion
of "Astarte." As a mechanician he excelled, and was awarded
many patents. He possessed almost a mania for automata and constructed some of the most complete mechanical working figures. He
was widely known throughout the profession, frequently making
goods for jugglers, trapese artists, bicycle riders, etc. He was never
happier than when puzzling out some intricate problem which baffled
others, and the profession lost a valued friend, and the public a useful citizen in his death. He was a man of unassuming disposition,
and never sought fame. His friends were legion and sincerely
mourn his sudden death.
THE SHEKTED GHOST.

The magic lantern operator always realizes that to secure a good

dissolving effect perfect registration is essential. In the securing of

W.

D.

LEROV.

Adrian Plate, the Society entertainer has had a very successful

winter. He has the reputation of being exceptionally clever.

Mahatma
' PATTER."
BY

SARGENT, T H E MERRY WIZZARD.

There is no possible question that the onegreatest requisite to success as a magician
is effective patter. This is by no means an
original statement as writers on magic for
ages past have devoted page upon page of
well-written advice to this department, but
that there is a crying need that still more
should be written is abundantly proven by
observing the slip-shod, colorless jargon
used by many of the lesser lights of the profession to-day.
It is more than possible that I may not be
able to add anything to the already large
supply of literature on this subject, but I
can at least emphasize what others have
written, ami perhaps bring some poor wandering'sinner to the paths of virtue in our
profession.
The first great care of the beginner is to select a style of his own,
that is to say, choose the character he wishes to represent, and then,
as if it were a character in a play, carry it through consistently to the
end. This style should be determined exactly as the actor determines whether he will be a tragedian, comedian, leading man or what
not, that is, if one is inclined to be humorous he should create a humorous character for himself, if naturally comic, follow that line, and
if a serious turn, make the character dignified and stately, always remembering that one style is exactly as good as another, and it only
remains for the beginner to select the style best suited to his individual attainments. After the choice is made he should bend all his
energies to the development of that style to the highest possible point.
There is one thing that the uninitiated should avoid and that is
the use of the " full and complete patter furnished with each trick,"
supplied by the manufacturers of tricks. The reason is obvious, it
is written usually by the inventor of the trick and is in his own peculiar style, and there being many inventors there are many styles of
patter, hence a program made up of this kind of material is only
patch work at best, no matter how good each trick may be when
taken separately, and besides that, others may be, and probably arcusing the same patter, thus giving the program an appearance of being a copy, while exactly the same tricks with different patter will
often pass as one's own creations. Of course a good deal of such patter can be worked in to good advantage, and I believe in making use
of any good material as long as it does not conflict with one's established style, but as far as possible I advise originality.
Some performers do not use the same patter on all occasions, but
change it to suit the circumstances under which they work, depending largely on the impulse of the moment, and I must confess to a
tendency in that direction myself, nevertheless, I am satisfied that it
is not the best method and that it is far safer to write out and commit to memory the patter for each trick and never to change it any
more than an actor would change the lines of Hamlet.
In the case of the actor there are only the lines to remember, as
the lines suggest the action, but with the magician it is very different
for he is continnally saying one thing and doing another, therefore,
the latter should be so dead letter perfect that he can rattle off his
patter without giving it a thought. Hence, he should never have his
patter written by another, but should write it himself and then it will
be in his own style, employing his own vocabulary and, therefore, will
be easy and natural and not have the appearance of having been
learned by rote. He should be extremely careful that the grammar
is not defective, as bad grammar is never excusable in a public performer, and many a man whose work is first-class in other respects,
is working seven or eight times a day in Dime Museums because of
his inability to use the King's English properly. Again, he should
avoid all coarse expressions, be particularly guarded in the use of

slang, and never indulge in personalities nor turn the laugh on any
person in the aiidience.
As I said at the start, the above may not be any addition to the
literature of our art but I think these matters cannot be discussed too
freely, and if one student should get an impetus in the right direction
from reading it, I shall feel that I have not written in vain.

MR.

MCMAHON.

On 6th Avenue between 28th and 29th sts., is a restaurant patronized by actors, and on the walls of which can be seen pictures of our
leading magicians which gives the place a home like appearance to
those who dabble in magic. Mr. MCMAUON, the proprietor, is a critic
of no mean merit on the art of magic, having seen them all, his enthusiasm is unbounded when talking of some of our leading lights.
That he has some good ideas on magic can be seen after a few minutes chat with him, and there can be no doubt but that we would
have another magician had dame fortune not favored him so liberally
with prosperity. While a fortune has been accumulated by this genial
restaurant keeper in catering to the tastes of his guests, there can be
no doubt but that he would have been equally successful in catering
to the eyes and senses of an ever curious public.

Tew
Megischiannes Ownlee.
My Cards are by far the linest marked Card^ ever

invented, and at two ynrds distance you can read

any card by its back, and yet any magician not having the instructions may examine the backs with a
strong magnifying glass and be none the wiser.
They 1111 a long-felt want among the magical fraternity, and are the best ever offered, as their large
sales show that they have proved a strong attraction.
1 hey have been only recently invented at great expenditure ot money and can be read with great speed
and accuracy, and the rigid experiments with the
Colorimeter shows that my secret process of coloring effects cannot be duplicated. Price, $>.oo per
pack, or two packs for Ss oo Complete instructions
with each pack. N. B. - I have no agents.
My very latest Rising Card Trick (non-apparatus)
fiooo Will answer any queston in regards to it,
a iy special card trick, (non-apparatus) or sleight, or
new card effect wanted, write me. Enclose two cent
stamp for eariy reply. No postals answered My
photograph and autograph upon receipt of 25 cents
in stamps. 1 am, sincerely yours

ELLIOTT,

1 he challenge Champion Kard Manipulator of the

world.
Private P . O . Lock Box No. 1551, Boston, Mass
U.S.A.

J. A. MCH.YKDSON,
1$acker and Manager.

Mahatma
MANUFACTURERS OF

Conjuring Tricks, Illusions,

Ventriloquial Heads and Figures
Puzzles, Marionettes,
Shadowgraphy,
Chapeaugraphy,
Juggling Goods, etc.

MAGJICALr @JSlrANPS P^lrACE 1

MAMLEY'S

Professor J. Bland s
MAGICAL- PALACE,
35 Xcw Oxford Street, London.

MAGICAL SALOONS
229 HICH HOLBORN, LONDON.
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^Acknowledged by all Hie /eidin^ Magicians and specially recommended by

"Prof. Hoffman, the .mil/or of ' {Modern Magic,'' " More Magic," etc.

rioit loo.

The Magical Palace is one of the Sights of London.

Grand Illustrated Catalogue, yoo

Engravings, with all the latest
novelties.

New complete Catalogue just published, artistically

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price 6d.
A'. /'.Xoted for superiority of manufacture and I/it; h-i lass 'work.

Price, 6d. Post Free.

Sole Agent for Roterbergs Book, " New Card
Era." Magic, by A. Hopkins, on sale.

MARTINKA

& CO., -

-A.HNTID I M P O R T E R S OF*

FINE MAGICAL APPARATUS,

493 SIXTH AVENUE, NEW YORK.

-*$*- Magicians

Headquarters. $

Our fully Illustrated Book Catalogue with 500 Engravings, will be

mailed FREE on receipt of 15 Cents.
Illustrated Catalogue 01" Paiior Tricks, free on application.

NEW PUBLICATIONS ON MAGIC.

M A G I C , Illusions, etc., by AI.BKKT A. HOPKINS, large, handsomely bound volume,
with over 500 high grade Illustrations on 550 pages, containing every Illusion up to date. Sent prepaid
forS2.5<>. 1'amphlet with full list of contents and sample illustrations, sent free on application
HOUHS W I T H

T H E G H O S T S , by HENRY RIDGELY EVANSIllustrated investiga-

tions into the realms of Spiritualism and Theosophy; 297 pages; bound in cloth. Price, $1.00.
H E R R M A N N , the magician; by H. Burlingame, illustrated Book of his Life, and his
secrets, 298 pages, bound in cloth. Price, $1.00.

Magical Apparatus and Mechanical Effects for Theatres made to order.

ESTIMATES
Miniature Coins.
FURNISHED.
For distribution t( juvenile audiences.

(j

As a means to make yourself popular with

the youngsters, and consequently with the
parents, they have no equal. These pretty
coins are perfect imitations on a snvill scale
of the Gold, Silver and Copper Coins of various European nations. Price per ioo, assorted 25 cents. Samples, in sealed envelope, 5 cents. Any portrait or inscription
stamped on these coins without charge when
ordered in lots of 10,000.

<

esiabUshe<f/8Y3,

MAMLHY'3 OT?ANT> I
W..G-

PAPER IN THE UNiTtu STATES DKVOTID TO nil.

VOL.

I.

No. XL

INTERESTS OF MAGICIAKS. SPIRITUALISTS, MESMERISTS, E T C .

1SEW YORK, MAY, 1898.

SINGLE COF#, 10 CENTS

PROF. ZISKA.
There is a hustling spirit prevailing in the West that seems
to strike the magical talent there, for all of the magicians
that come East are exceptionally clever in their own original
acts. Mr. Ziska who is now visiting us for a short period,
is an example of the inventive Western magician where bril-

cesses that give a performer that perfectly at home feeling

when before their audiences, make future successes for them
easy. Mr. Ziska has made quite a reputation for himself in
the West where magic is thoroughly appreciated. He is
very clever with the billiard balls and that is but one of
the many good deceptions that he presents. While he is

liant and up-to-date performers seem to abound, that is,

those whom we have had the pleasure of seeing work here
have proven the fact that the Western way of presenting
new ideas, and when introduced with a certain amount of
dash that can be acquired only from constant work and sue-

but a young man he is the happy possessor of a talented

helpmate who assists him and ably helps to sustain the reputation that he has already gained in the magical world,
MAHATMA'S best wishes go with Mr. Ziska and his accomplished wife.

Mahatma

JYIAWATJYIA.
ISSUED THE 1ST OF EACH MONTH.

G Etf.MJ

The sole agents for the sale of "MAHATMA" in England is the celebrated and old established firm of Messrs. Hainloy Brothers, and
it may be obtained at their Grand Magical Saloons, 229 High Holborn, London, where also advertisements are received for it and
every information given respecting it.
MAHATMA would ask as a favor that all magicians will send their
address and all news appertaining to magicians to this office, and
also names of persons interested in magic. The aim of this paper is
to reach all magicians There are many persons interested in magic
who have never heard of this paper, please send us the address of any
whom you may know. Anything new in magic will be published
and credit given to person sending it.

INDIAN JUGGLERY.
BY \VM. E. ROBINSON,
THE MAN OH MYSTERY.

So much has been said and written of the East Indian and Hindoo
jugglers and magicians that those
persons who have not been fortunate enough 10 witness one of
their exhibitions, must rely to a
certain extent upon what has been
described to them, either in print
or in person, and believe that these
mystic men of the Orient are enabled to perform real marvels,
things that our own wonder workers are unable to duplicate. I wish
to dispel this illusion, and while I
acknowledge in sleight of hand they are clever, they are not more so,
in fact not so much so as some of the American and European conjurers. In fact there are plenty of our parlor or club entertainers,
who, working under just as severe conditions as those natives do,
with the audience best part of the time completely surrounding them
are enabled to give as good and in my honest opinion, a cleverer, neater
and more effective entertainment, devoid of all of the tomfoolery called
by the Hindoo, incantations. I do not speak from guess .work or
hearsay. In the past twenty-two years of my life devoted to magic
as a science and a study as well as a livelihood, I have had numerous
opportunities of observing the methods employed by these Oriental
necromancers, and I have not found their methods or principles differing from our own. Their passes with small objects, balls, coins,
etc., are with few exceptions identically the same moves and passes
as used by our own conjurers, and as for their attempts at large
magic or illusions they are very often ludicrous instead of marvellous.
Their snake charming means simply the lying in wait of about a
dozen natives in the vicinity of the cobra de capello, and when the
opportunity arrives, pinning by means of a forked stick the snakes
head to the ground, and while some manage the body of the snake a
couple remove the fangs from the serpent's mouth. A sting from the
fangs of the cobra de capello is the most poisonous in the world. It
is claimed that no person has ever survived after being once bitten
by the cobra. It is an easy matter with the serpents fangs removed
to assume the character of snake charmer. All the wierd music and
talk, torn torn beating, etc., is half the trick, without it there would be
no effect. Their cup and ball work in some respects is better than
our own. the cups are about the size of half an ordinary orange with
a small ball like handle or knob on the top, and with 'this knob the
cup is invariably lifted from the ground, generally between the first
and second finger, not by the tips. When the cup is lifted or replaced
on the ground (see cut) the palm of the hand is close to the floor, and
therin lies the secret of the difference in their style of work and ours.
In palming a ball or like object it is held further back than the palm,
it is caught and held at the base of the thumb and the flesh opposite,
and in replacing a cup on the table or floor, the ball is dropped and
the cup is brought backwards over it, in the act of placing cup down.
It is hard to describe in writing the exact move. The hand and cup
in going towards the floor, takes also a forward motion and just as
the ball is released the cup is given a backward move which covers
the ball. You have seen children on the street give the same movement to a hoop which they have thrown out in front of them and

cause it to return, a movement similar to cause a card to return when

thrown out. Of course the movement is so sleight it is nigh imperceptible; this is their principal method of getting the ball under the
cup. To get it out after ball is covered, they move the cup a little
nearer the spectators, shoving it along, this action, if the cup is
made high in center and tapers gradually towards its edge, will
bring the ball out of the cup automatically and right into the base of
the hand ready for palming, and all their other moves are repetitions
of the ones we use. A trick in which a turban is used is quite mysterious in its way although when we were youngsters we did the
same trick and called it the cut string restored, but in its new dress
and surroundings we hardly recognize it. One of the performers
takes off his turban and unrolls it, showing it to be merely a long
strip of red cloth. He commences by cutting off a few small pieces
from the end, these he ties together again, piece to piece, and back
to the long strip, he then cuts the long strip into three or four large
pieces, and ties said pieces together again. What, he really does is
this, he does not cut the cloth into three or four separate pieces,
but only a small piece each time from the opposite end, the end that
has the first small piece tied to it. Each time the turban is cut it has
the two ends apparently tied together, but really the small piece cut
from the end is tied around the cloth. So at the conclusion of the
three or four cuts he has the turban whole, with these small pieces7
tied around it, looking for all the world like pieces tied together. The
manner of holding the turban during the cutting is somewhat as follows, instead of laying in one strand it is made into as many coils as
pieces are to be cut. Now instead of cutting through one of the coils,
the cloth is cut near the free end which is covered over with one of
the hands, after the cut the end is still connected under the hand, but
the two ends now caused by the cut are exhibited without removing
the hands from or displacing the coils. The ends are now apparently
tied, really the small piece tied around the coil that is nearest to end
having all the first small pieces tied to it. At the same time the new
end formed by the cut is secretly placed under the hand as was the

previous end, and the first coil is now dropped from the hand, the
other still remaining. The above operations are repeated until all
coils are apparently cut and the turban is hanging down straight.
When the first small pieces were cut and tied to the turban, fair and
square, it was done for the purpose of misleading the people that the
following cutting of the larger pieces was likewise fairly done. When
the smaller pieces were tied to the large strip it was with the knot
used for the vanished knot handkerchief. Now the cloth is rolled up
into a ball, and as this is done the cloth slides through the performers hand, these pieces and the others slip along the cloth and are retained in performers Hand secretly. The turban after a lot of gibberish and nonsense is unrolled and found to be complete and whole;
the pieces contained in jugglers hand he leaves behind in a bag, containing his tools of trade, as he goes there to bring forth his wand
most generally a bone or a wooden god called Rahmsamee. This
bag is always at hand to get rid of or produce from. It is to the
juggler what the servante is to the magician ; and now we come to a
trick which is almost identical with one performed by our own conjurers and called by them the Inexhaustible Punch Bowl, but the
Hindoos give it the name Lota. (See drawing) a small vessel is seen
and during the trick it seems to contain a constant supply of water
which appears without end. The secret lies in the fact that its sides
are double and capable of holding a good quantity. There is a small
hole at the bottom of the inside compartment to allow the water to
run between the sides after it has been poured into the vessel proper.
The Lota can be turned upside down and no water appears, but upon
being brought to its natural position and the juggler blows into a
small bole in the side of vessel which makes the water appear.
(TO BK CONTINUED.)

Mahatma
A NOTED PARISIAN " M I N D - R E A D E R ' S " SUCCESS.
Pagliani, an Italian magician in Paris, has been performing a
puzzling feat which has given him the name of "The Big Ear." As
he stands on the stage of a big hall he distinctly hears and instantly
answers questions asked in scarcely more than a whisper by persons
in the audience, no matter whether they are near or far from the
stage. His big ear seems to detect the question in advance of its
utterance, and mystifies his audience. He explains that he anticipates the question by mind reading.
After Pagliani left Paris, Troupe, the great French electrician
by whose aid the magician had been enabled to perform his wonderful feats, disclosed the "mind-reader's" trick. This great "feat"
had been accomplished by cleverly constructed miniature telephone
plants. The magician wears a heavy wig, the long locks of which
completely hide a pair of tiny receivers fastened to his ears. The
wig also hides the wires connected with the receivers. The wires
run down inside the wonder-worker's clothes to a metal plate in the
soles of his shoe.

phone that has been constructed by M. Troupe is a remarkable bit of

work. It is in every respect precisely like a telephone plant, but the
various parts are so tiny that they require very accurate adjustment
to get the results that have been obtained.

LONDON NEWS.
Mr. Ellis Stanyon, F. O. S., teacher of conjuring and entertainer,
reports a good season. Mr. Stanyon is the author of two books on
magic which are standard works.
Mr. and Mrs. Henry Carters silent thought transmission act, is
one of the best we have yet seen.
Imro Fox, the great Comic Conjurer, is filling a most successful
engagement at the Empire Theatre of Varieties.
John Warren, ventriloquist, conjurer and quick change artist, is
in great demand. His whole performance is original.
Professor George Newman, magician, etc., is a mystifier of the
first order, and one of the cleverest of magicians.
o
INDIAN MAGIC.
In speaking of the feats of the Indian Fakirs and Jugglers, the
Mango tree trick is invariably mentioned and variously explained.
We give here an explanation as it has been communicated to us by a
retired magician who had the opportunity to see the trick performed
in a Chinese Theatre in the West Indies. The performer was a Chinaman. He exhibited a kernel of a mango, placed it in a square box
which he had previously rilled with mould. He then sprinkled some
water over it and covered it with a small silk handkerchief. Lifting
it up in a few seconds small green leaves were seen apparently coming from the earth. Again he covered the box and when handkerchief was removed a sprig of about twelve inches in height was revealed. Then he took a large foulard and after fumbling for about
half a minute over the box he removed the foulard and there stood in
the box a tree about twenty inches high, with fruit on its branches.
After many failures our correspondent succeeded by offering a substantial bribe, to obtain from the Chinaman the secret of the trick.
The solution was quite startling. A large kernel of a Mango is about
three inches long and five inches in circumference. This he cuts in
two the meat was removed so that only the thin shell remained. Now
the tender sprigs and leafs of a Mango tree have the particularproperty
of being intensely pliable and when folded and then released they
assume their former shape as if made of rubber. A carefully selected sprig of the mango tree was rolled up small so as to find room
in the nollow kernel, which was then pasted together with some adhesive clay and left to dry. When the kernel was placed in the earth
and water poured over it the clay got softened and under cover of
the handkerchief the sprig is as at first partly pulled out and the second time to its full length.
The large tree with the fruit was only a branch trimmed down
Pagliani's confederate wears a shirt, the bosom of which is made to resemble a tree and was concealed about the body inside the flowing robe. Under cover of the large foulard, aided by swaying moof celluloid, which serves as a diaphragm of the telephone. He
moves around the auditorium and directs the asking of the questions tions of the body from side to side the branch was removed from its
in such a way that they are communicated through his shirt-front to hiding place and planted in the box to be exhibited to the wondering'
the stage. The current is established between the magician and spectators.
Another feat performed by the same individual from the Celestial
assistant by wires terminating in small plates which stud thefloorof
the stage and the audience hall. Both men manage to keep then- Empire was to cause a tumbler to float in the air. He brought forward
feet on these small plates and yet at the same time move around in a tumbler with wine, dr.mk it, threw the glass in the air. fanned it,
such a way as to prevent the audience suspecting the possibility of and it remained floating in space similar to the well known butterfly trick. All efforts to get at the secret of this surpassing trick
any such connection between them as really exists.
Every question asked is answered very quickly. If Pagliano does were unavailing but all seemed to indicate that the tumbler was of
not know the answer he says so, and his reply is made so quickly that some very thin material resembling glass, such as mica or celluloid,
which may have been attached to some very fine thread which was
he has uttered it almost before it has been asked. His explanation
that he has anticipated the questioner is accepted by the people in suspended from the stage. As he never performed this trick except
the audience, as there seems to be no other explanation. The tele- at the theatre this system may be correct.

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New Era Card Tricks.

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JOHN HENRICKS.
WIZARD OF THE ATLANTIC,
( >n Board the Steamship Germanic,
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Street,

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Mahatma
SOME NOVEL EFFECTS WITH BILLIARD BALLS.
IIV

JOHN HENRICKS.MAGICIAN AND ATHLETE.

ZANETTI"THE MODERN CAi;l.lOSTKO."

Among the many pretty experiments with billiard balls, none

perhaps will be found more amusing and effective than the following:
Stepping to the point of the stage the magician shows both
hands empty, puts them together without bringing them near the
body and after a little mystic rubbing produces a solid billiard ball.
Announcing that the ball is magical and will obey his wishes he bends
the left arm upward to bring the forearm forward and taking the ball
in his right hand strikes it against the Meshy part of the left arm, at
which the ball completely vanishes, leaving both hands empty. Then
with a smile he pulls up the bottom of his vest slightly with one hand
and the missing ball drops out into the other.
He now places the ball partly in his mouth with the right hand,
and complains about his mouth being too small, but finally pushes it
in, when it again vanishes, and showing Mis left hand empty he
reaches up and produces the ball from the back of his neck. Next
rubbing the ball gently with his right hand he multiplies it into two
balls, both of which are shown to be solid. Having produced them
magically he must cause them to vanish in the same manner, so he
takes one in the right hand, makes the motion of throwing, says: go.
and the ball is gone. Taking the remaining ball in his right hand he
tosses it lightly in the air, catches it, repeats the motion and the ball
vanishes.
The "modus operandi" is as follows: Take two billiard balls
just alike, preferably red. Have one vested and the other palmed in
the right hand. Turning the body and eyes slightly to the left, show
the palm of the left and the back of the right hand to the audience.
Then turning to the right pass the left hand in front of the right and
show the right palm and the back of the left. But at the moment
the hands pass each other transfer the ball from the palm of the right
to that of the left, which after a little practice will be found an easy
and most effective sleight. I use it also in egg tricks.
Now to pass it into the elbow. Holding the ball in the right
hand you strike it against the left elbow but allow it to drop on the
floor, which shows the ball is solid. Saying that you did not strike
hard enough you pick it up with the left hand, pretend to take it in
the right, but by means of the "tourniquet" retain it in the left
which you immediately raise to your neck, strike the right hand
which is supposed to hold the ball against your left elbow and rub it
for a moment. The motion of the left arm brings the hand containing the ball to the back of your neck and also causes the coat collar
to sag away from your collar. While your hand is in this position
place the ball between your collar and coat. This will be found easy
and can be used also for coins, etc. Now showing both hands empty
you produce the second ball from under your vest, the audience taking it to be the ball you just vanished.
To swallow it you make believe to place in the mouth, but palm it.
The left hand shown empty, now reach up and produce the ball (No.
i) from behind the neck. Putting your hands together and gently
rubbing you show the two solid balls.
Vanish the first ball in your pocket, and vest the other one.
Some very pretty additions can be made by having small pockets
or loops made under the knees of the pants, also under the sleeves of
the coat; in fact the performer can in various ways introduce articles
of this kind without giving away or duplicating the same movements.
A vanisher made of black goodslike a round pocket-bookis a very
easy way to vanish an article of this kind.
BOSTON NOTES.
Zanzic, the magician, is at present in Boston.
On May 2d, The Great Kellar opens for a season at the Boston
Museum, and he is sure of a big business as usual.
Higgins and Hardy, magicians are doing well in their peculiar act.
Dr. C. W. Hidden, of Newburyport, Mass., assisted by Master
Fred. Walter Knapp, in Magic, e t c ' a r e at Dwight Hall.
The Herrmann Company close their season this week.
Dixey, who succeeded the late Bancroft, has closed his season.

SOMETHING NEW UNDER THE SUN.

WM. E. ROBINSON, the Man of Mystery offers
is original illusions for sale.
Evanishment, The Weight of Love, The Ladder of Fame, The
Witches Daughter, Cupid, Kyoto, Mumbo Jumbo, Satan's Bride,
Schrive of Buddha, Birth of the Lily, The Smuggler, Life and Death,
Creation, Youth and Old Age, The Woman of Flames.
The above and more to follow are duly copyrighted and fully protected. I will prosecute
one and all infringing on my rights. Illusions improved upon. Your ideas carried out. When
in doubt write me Books on Magic, etc., bought, sold and exchanged. Photographs of
magical celebrities for sale.
W I L L I A M B . RO1$IN'SO>", Care of MAHATMA, 493 Sixth Ave., New York.

John Henricks, the

athletic runner of the
Germanic, White Star
Line, is not only a magician of note, but the
many prizes he has won
on this side of the Atlantic and England makes
him a figure in the magical world that you seldom
meet with. A magician,
an athlete. Here are
some of the prizes that
he has captured when not
afloat: Booth Hall Plate,
120 yards in n 3-5 seconds. He won from C.
A. Bradley, the same distance at Stoke-on-Trent in 11 4-5 seconds; at Ellesmere, he won the
120 and 440-yard handicap runs from scratch, etc. Many matches
were won in this country by Mr. Henricks. Numerous trophies and
some valuable ones over which he delights in showing and he runs
the race over again when telling how this and that one was won.
He is a natural entertainer, vivacious, and after witnessing some of
his palming with cards, coins, etc., you will acknowledge that he is
fully up to date in his work. Many passengers on the Germanic between New York and Liverpool are entertained to their pleasure and
to the profit of the Wizard of the Atlantic. Mr. Henricks.was also
the first to win the Ismay trophy given by the White Star line for
the best all around athlete of the year.
T H E COOKED OR UNCOOKED EGG.
A plate of eggs is shown to the audience and they may select any
one they wish and upon the performer asking which way they
will have it, cooked or uncooked, upon breaking it open the egg
will be found as requested. They may select any one, or in fact the
whole plateful can be found to conform to the wishes of the party who
likes his eggs raw, or the person who wishes them cooked.
The explanation is simple and can be performed in a parlor or
on a stage as will be seen from the following: Take some eggs and
boil them, then cut them exactly in the middle; remove from one of
the halves the boiled egg so that the empty shell only remains;
fill the empty shell with the contents of a raw egg; put the
other half of the egg with its boiled contents over it and paste
around the outside a narrow strip of tissue paper. When dry, brush
over with a thin solution of plaster of paris which will harden quick
and give the so prepared egg the appearance of a genuine egg.
The person asking to have the egg cooked, you can easily furnish
it for one half of the egg is cooked. On the contrary you can also
supply the demand of an uncooked one for the other half is uncooked.
If you wish to give the audience a piece of your cooked egg lay it
on the table for a second to get a knife to cut it with, by having one
cooked all through, make the change and you can show the whole
egg is cooked. No one will doubt you when you break open the top
of the egg and find it either cooked or uncooked as the person may
wish. This is a very clever devise, and will certainly go no matter
where used.
If you want to make an egg stand on any small surface like a
china plate or even the beveled rim of a drinking glass, place on the
spot where you want the egg to balance a pinch of finely powdered
salt, as much as a medium pins head, and place the egg on it and it
will stand on its small end with very little trouble. You can even
balance the egg on the back of a butcher knife with very little practice. "Try it.

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For terms, etc., apply to 493 6th Ave.

Mahatma
THE KING OF CONJURERS.
BY HENRY K1IHJEI.Y EVANS.

I.
Conjurers are born, strut their brief hours on the stage of life,
and then pass away, soon to be numbered among the forgotten dead.
But there is one name that is destined to live as long as books are
readRobert-Houdin. There is hardly an encyclopedia that makes
any pretence to comprehensiveness that does not contain an account
of the remarkable career of Jean Eugene Robert-Houdin. The reason for this is obvious: Robert-Houdin was not only the progenitor of
the modern school of conjuring, but he was a man of science and a
remarkable mechanical genius, having received several medals from
the French Government for his successful application of electricity to
the running of clocks. If he had accomplished nothing more during
his life save his electrical inventions, his name would have been heralded down to posterity. But besides this, he wrote several books,
thereby distinguishing himself in the world of letters. One of his literary productions, an autobiography, is as fascinating as the me-

moirs of the great J. J. Rousseau, minus the hitter's obscenity. Thisautobiography of Houdin is noted not only for the excellence of its style,
but for its unique historical sketches of old-time conjurers, and for
its analysis of human nature. Houdin was a master in ail that related to the psychology of deception. His treatises on the art of leg
erdemain are really psychological studies of very great interest to all
students. Houdin placed sleight-of-hand on a scientific basis, showing that it depended not only upon digital dexterity but upon the
careful observance of certain mental characteristics common to all individuals. He laid down the axiom that it is easier to deceive an intelligent person than an ignorant one. It sounds like a paradox, but
it is a fact. The ignorant man who witnesses a conjuring exhibition
has determined beforehand not to be deceived by the artifices of the
performer. He glues his eyes on the prestidigitator's hands, and resolves not to have his attention diverted. In other words, he opens
his eyes and stops up his ears. Now. as all conjuring feats of any
consequence are addressed to the mind, rather than to the sense of
sight, it becomes very difficult for a magician to create any illusion in
the presence of spectators lacking the imaginative faculty. In the case
of educated persons, the conjurer's appeals to the imagination are
eagerly responded to. People who have read about clairvoyants, psychometry, telepathy, hypnotism and the like, are ever ready to attribute the experiments of the necromancer to anything save mere conjuring; especially is this the case in mental magic, / e. second-sight
business, etc. A magician, says Houdin, should always assign some
plausible explanation to all of'his illusions, other than mere nimbleness of his fingers. The public loves to be mystified. It pays its
money to be deceived, and does not really thank the performer who
gives away professional secrets on the stage, as many of our latterday artists are so fond of doing. Some performers, worse than shortsighted, are in the habit of exposing palmistry; for example, the
passes made with coins. Then, when they exhibit handkerchief and
billiard ball tricks, accomplished by adroit palming, expect their audiences to be deceived by the feats. It is all wrong. The general
public is totally unacquainted with the art of palmistry.
A few men
and ambitious juveniles, are read up on the subject, but the great
theatre-going public, not at all. The conjurer who despises his art
so much as to reveal its fundamental principles and laws soon degenerates into a side-show lecturer exhibiting a mechanical illusion.
Robert-Houdin deprecated all this foolishness, and sounded
the right note when he decided that a prestidigitateur was an actor
playing the part of a magicianthat is to say, a man gifted with occult powers. He remarks: "Although ail one says during the course
of a performance isnot to mince the mattera tissue of falsehoods,
the performer must sufficiently enter into the part he plays, to himself
believe in the reality of his fictitious statements. This belief on his

own part will infallibly carry a like conviction to the minds of the
spectators." In conclusion, let me say that if the magic art is declining in public estimation, it is not because of the multiplication of
books on the subject and the increase of emporiums for the sale of

apparatus, but is due to tlie conjurers themselves. Those whom the

gods wish to destroy they first make mad!

II.
Robert-Houclin's attention to mise-en-scenc was his great forte.
In the "Aerial Suspension," he made believe to administer chloroform to his son, who aided as the assistant in the trick. In order to
confirm the impression in the minds of the spectators that chloroform
was really used, he had a confederate behind the scenes pour some of
it upon a hot shovel. An acrid odor soon filled the theatre, thereby
convincing the olfactory sense of the audience at least, that the young
Houdin was under the stupefying influence of the drug. Many persons wrote to the journals and denounced the affair, on the ground
of cruelty to children. The modern method of performing this trick
is for the exhibitor to go through the farce of mesmerizing the assistant, namely a young and handsome lady. This is effective,
because of the unusual interest created of late years in hypnotism by
the advent of Trilby in literature and on the stage.
To Robert-Houdin we a e indebted for a complete revolution in
the art of conjuring. His reforms have lasted to this day. I will
quote as follows from my introduction to Hopkin's book' "Magic,
Stage Illusions," etc.: "Prior to Houdin's time the wizards draped all
of their tables to the floor, thereby making them little else than ponderous confederate boxes. Conjuring under such circumstances was
child's play, as compared with the difficulties to be encountered with
the apparatus of the new school. In addition, Houdin discarded the
long, flowing robes of many of his predecessors, as savoring too
much of charlatanism, and appeared in evening dress. Since his
time, no first-class prestidigitateur has dared to offend good taste, by
presenting his illusions in any other costume than that of a gentleman habited a la mode, nor has he dared to give a performance with
draped tables. In fact modern professors of the art magique have
gone to extremes on the question of tables and elaborate apparatus,
many of them using simple little gucridons with glass tops, unf ringed.
Houdin's center table was a marvel of mechanical skill and ingenuity.
Concealed in the body were vertical rods, each arranged to rise and
fall in a tube, according as it was drawn down by a spiral spring or
pulled up by a whip-cord which passed over a pulley at the top of the
tube and so down the table leg to the hiding place of the confederate.
There were ten of these pistons, and ten cords, passing under the
floor of the stage, terminated at a key-board. Various ingenious automata were actuated by this means of transmitting motion."

On Thursday evening, July 3, 1S25, Houdin inaugurated his first

fantastic evening, and his play-bill was a very modest one, reading
as follows:
Aujourd'hui Jeudi, 3 Juillet IS45.
Premiere Representation
des
Soiries Fantastiques
de
ROBERT-HOl'DIN,
Automates, Prestidigitation, Magie.
Houdin's Fantastie Entertainment started into life the same time
as the Hippodrome of Paris. The flamboyant posters of the great
Hippodrome posted beside Houdin's unpretentious little bill, resembled a big fish about to gobble up a minnow. But the minnow survived, while the leviathan ran the gamut of theatrical misfortunes.
(TO BE CONTINUED.)

THI-: Al'l'KARIXC, LADY.

Of the many new illusions recently presented
in Europe, an ingenious one is that of the appearing lady, the invention of that clever Hungarian
magician Buatier de Kolta.
On the stage is seen a plain round top four-ler
table, which the magician has been using as a
resting place for part of the apparatus used in hi
magic performance. Eventually, the performci
removes all articles from the table and covers it
with a cloth that does not reach the floor. On
command, the cloth gradually rises from the center of the table as though something were pushing
it up. In a few moments it becomes very evident
that some one, or something, is on the table covered by the cloth. The magician now remove*the cloth and a lady is seen standing on the table
as shown in our illustration.
The secret of this, as in all good illusions, is
very simple, as the illustration will show. In thestage there is a trap door, over which is placed a
fancy rug that has a piece removed from it exactly
the same size as the trap, to which the piece is
fastened. When the trap is closed the rug appears
to be an ordinary one. The table is placed directh
over the trap. Below the stage is a box, open athe top, with cloth sides and wood bottom. To
this box are attached four very fine wires, thai
lead up through the stage by means of small holes
where the trap and floor join, over small pulleys
in the frame of the table and down through the
table legs, which are hollow, through the stage to
a windlass. In the table top is a trap that divides
in the center and opens outward. The top of the table is inlaid in
such a manner as to conceal the edges of the trap. The lady takes
her place in the box in a kneeling position, the assistant stands at
the windlass, and all is ready. Figure i of our second engraving

DETAILS OF THE APPARATUS.

shows the arrangement beneath the stage, and figure 2 the under
side of the table top.
The magician takes a large table cover, and, standing at the rear
* From Magic, Stage Illusions and Scientific Discoveries, including Trick Photography; edited by Albert A. Hopkins. Copyrightel
189S, by Munn & Co. '

THE APPEARING LADY.

of table, proceeds to cover it by throwing cloth over table, so that it

reaches the floor in front of the table, then slowly dra^ws it up over
the table top. The moment that the cloth touches the floor in front
of the table, the trap is opened and the box containing the lady is
drawn up under the table by means of the windlass, and the trap
closed. This is done very quickly, during the moment's time in
which the magician is straightening out the cloth to draw it back
over the table. All that now remains to be done is for the lady to
open the trap in table and slowly take her place on top of the table,
and close the trap.
The top and bottom of the box by means of which the lady is
placed under the table are connected by means of three strong elastic
cords placed inside of the cloth covering. These elastics are for the
purpose of keeping the bottom and top frame of box together, except
when distended by the weight of the lady. Thanks to this arrangement of the box, it folds up as the lady leaves it for her position on
the table top, and is concealed inside of the frame of table after her
weight is removed from it. A somewhat similar trick is called "The
Disappearing Lady." In this illusion the process is worked in the
reverse order.
BLACK BALL INTO AN ORANGE.
Take an orange and wind black cotton around it (such as is used
for socks) until you have the entire orange covered. Cotton must be
wound around evenly. Cut some small stars out of silver paper and
glue them on the cotton, which greatly adds to the deception, and at
a distance it looks like a black enameled ball ornamented with silver
stars. Take this ball, vest it, produce it magically, and holding it
between the two hands work the cotton off of it secretly, then produce the orange thus obtained, getting rid of the cotton which you
have in your hand. A good time to do this is when you lay the
orange on the table, then drop the cotton on the servante. This
trick may be varied for changing balls, etc. If you don't wish to
work off the cotton between hands, cover black ball with a handkerchief, keeping the cotton in there after producing orange. Cotton
can also be gotten rid of by " Bautier Varnish" if desired.
o
Kellar is meeting with his usual success. He has without doubt
the finest magic show ever put upon a stage.
Powell opens in Philadelphia Opera House, May 2d.
Jewett reports a very successful season.
Elliott, of Boston, will be in New York City June 1st, to take
charge of his card class. He's a good fellow and we wish him luck.
Stevenson, the magician, is contemplating a trip to Europe
MAHATMA back numbers for sale, No. 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.

Mahatma
PROGRAMME, RING AND ENVELOPE TRICK.
EFFF.CT.A ring is borrowed, also a programme, and the latter
is torn in two. Volunteer is invited on the platform. Half of the p
programme is spread over the hand, and the ring placed on it. The '
I notice with regret a tendency among performer then squeezes up the programme and ring, and commands I
magicians of a certain class, to select some the programme to change into a series of envelopes, with the ring in '
trick of minor importance and to expose the the centre one, and this is found to have been done. Volunteer has
to open the four envelopes before he finds the ring. Performer now
secret to their audience. Now this is not repeats the trick with the other half of the programme, and the ring
only extremely bad art, but in many ways is found in the innermost envelope, and is returned by the volunteer
it militates directly against the performer to the owner. The broken envelopes are then taken in the hand,
up, and transformed into programme again. Very elaborwho indulges in such questionable methods. squeezed
ate effect.
.
In the first place, when the audience find
SECRET.The ring is changed on wand (old dodge). The first;
how easily they have been deceived, they series of envelopes is perfect (made out of similar programmes, of,
imagine that all tricks are of the same nature course) and carefully sealed up with the dummy ring inside, conceal-:
ed (say) in right pochette, and (when prograrame is handed) taken'
and give the performer no credit for being between
root of thumb and fingerforefinger. The programme is
skillful.
laid on hand, the substitute ring is placed theron under the thumb,
Every magician should play his character all squeezed up, and envelopes producedthe programme is slipped
into pocket while the audience are gazing at the opening of the enthrough to the end consistently. Now it is velopes.
Lay great stress on the fact of each envelope being securelyjust as inconsistent for the magician to ex- fastened, and ask the volunteer if he can take out the ring without,
pose a trick that he has carried through breaking the seals, etc. Meanwhile arrange for the repetition of the
successfully, as it would be for an actor at trick. The second series of envelopes is open at one end, and has a
flat thin tube (a la shilling in ball of wool) down into it not quite the
the end of a realistic stage representation bottom
of the smallest one (the tube to fit loosely), and place each
of a storm, to step forward and throwing succeeding envelope wax side downwards. Whilst the volunteer is
aside the character he was playing, explain to the audience that the working with the first set, drop the borrowed ring down the tube
sound of rain was produced by a handful of dried peas and a series into the innermost envelope (say in the right pochette), shake the
tube, withdraw it, then bend the ends of the envelopes over tightly,
of wooden pegs; that the sound of wind was made by a piece of silk and proceed with the trick with the second half of the programme as
and a revolving cylinder, the thunder by shaking a sheet of iron, etc. before, asking the volunteer if he would like to do tr.e trick.
This may all be useful information and strictly true, but the audience
A good finish is made by collecting all the envelopes, having a
in this case, as in the case of the magician, have paid their good complete programme in the hand, and changing them for it. To do
money to be amused and having enjoyed the illusion, the)' prefer to this, simply squeeze up the bundle, bring the programme to the top,
let it rest there, assuming, as they have a right to do, that this is and hand it over, immediately taking wand in hand.
neither time or place for a discussion of ways and means.
Mr. Trewey, of Paris, the great French Shadowgraphist, in
My pupils often say to me that they have seen magicians win a speaking of Hopkin's Magic, Stage Illusions and Scientific Diversions,
laugh or applause by this kind of work, but the man who has to resort says: "It is to my mind the most complete, artistic, precise and instructive treatise on the magic art that I have had the pleasure of
to that method to gain applause is in the wrong business.
reading for years. Every professional should possess a copy as well
Many excuses are offered by these men, the favorite one being as every amateur who is interested in what the French conjurers call
that others do the same thing. Granted, but are they the highest science JIIUIUJIIL: A valuable part of the book is that relating to theatype of magicians ? Are they the successful ones, and if so, have tre secrets."
they succeeded on account of this kind of work, or in spite of it?
T H E SECRET OUT.
That is, have they so many good points that this weakness is forgivMagic taught in all its branches. Personally or by mail.
able in them ? If such is the case it seems to me that it were far
Sleight of hand a specialty. Pupils fitted for drawing room or stage.
better to imitate what is best in their work, rather than to perpetuate
PROF. BROWNIE, care MAIIATMA.
their weaknesses, if, indeed, it is necessary to imitate at all, which I
am by no means willing to allow.
DIE ZAUBERWELT.
As I have intimated, there are many otherwise good performers
Illustrated Journal in German language of
who are victims of the "exposure habit," in whom it is so firmly
PARLOR MAGIC and MODERN WONDERS.
Published ftionthly. Subscription price for 6 months, Si.25, delivered postage prepaid.
established that to drop it suddenly might prove disastrous, and to
Single copies, 25 cents.
such I would suggest a remedy which is a sort of tapering off toward
C A R L W I L L M A N N , Editor, Neue A B C Strasse, Hamburg. Ger.
legitimate methods. It is to pretend exposure only and really to repeat
the trick in a different form, leaving the audience more mystified
than before. ' By this means the belief in the performer's cleverness
of June I am in New York where I conduct my card class. If you want to join write
is augmented and the continuity of a performance remains unbroken. me 1stSpecial
instructions to beginners and advanced pupils improved. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Then
to
Chicago and Philadelphia, etc., classes. Will play few privates dates in each city, after
I suppose many will think that I am rather old fashioned to make
which will tour Europe through London, Paris, Berlin, Strasburgand Vienna, etc. P. S.The
so much ado over so small a matter, in these days, when books are U. S Government has procured my services to hypnotize the Spaniards in Cuba with the
published continually exposing the latest and best tricks. But let cardsI'll keep 'em guessing. 1 am sincerely yours,
The Challenge Champion Kard Manipulator of the World. Private I'. <>. l.od< Box No.
me say in defence of my position that I am not discussing the value
1S51, Boston, Mass., U V A
- I . A . ICIC-II A I t D S O N, l t a r k e r a n d M a n a g e r .
of the secrets, (as a matter of fact, I consider the secret as being an
unimportant part of a well performed trick), but what I do claim is
that it is illogical and inartistic for a man while playing the part of
the magician to show by word or act, that his wonders are not all the
result of absolute magic, even when he knows that many in the
audience are in possession of some of his secrets.
and BESSIE HOUDINI, original introNobody in a modern audience for one moment believes that the
ducers of "Metamorphosis,"
ghost in Hamlet is a real disembodied spirit, but it would ruin the
The finest and greatest Trunk Mystery the
play for Hamlet himself to show that he did not think so, and whether
world has ever seen.
playing Hamlet or the Wizard, real success only comes from playing
In connection with our challenge Hand
the part for all there is in it.
. Cuff act.

" D O N ' T GIVE I T AWAY."BY SARGENT, THE MERRY WIZARD.

"Oinac igiwtum pro magnified."

"Why So Because Now Already."

HARRY HOUDINI,

Chevalier Thorn's magical show draws crowded houses nightly

at the Eden Theatre, Constantinople. Chevalier Thorn is a great
favorite with the Turkish audiences, but no wonder, as he offers a
attractive programme consisting of the latest illusions.

Permanent address, 221 E. 69th St.,

New York City.

Mahatma.

MANUFACTURERS OF
Conjuring Tricks, Illusions,
Ventriloquial Heads and Figures
Puzzles, Marionettes,
Shadowgraphy,
Chapeaugraphy,
Juggling Goods, etc.

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SALOONS,
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229 HICH
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Acknowledged bv nil tlif lending Magicians andspecially recouw/eiidtd
by Pinf. Ho/f'man, anther of Modem Magic." " M( re Mni;ir." vtt .

The Magical Palace is one of the Sights of London.

New complete Catalogue, just published. Artistically
Illustrated,
Price, 20 cents.
N. B.Noted (or superiority of manufacture and high-class work.
Mr. Bland cannot accept foreitrn stamps or money in payment.

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tions into the realms of Spiritualism and Theosophy; 297 pages; bound in cloth. Price, $1.00.
H E K H M A N N , the Magician; by H. BUKLINC;AME.Illustrated book of his life, and his
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Magical Apparatus and Mechanical Effects for Theatres made to order.

E
HE

Important Notice.
\N e have succeeded in producing colored

PAPER RIBBONS
for Hat Trick, Tambourine, etc . of unequaled perfection
which we now offer at such low prices so as to be at the
reach of all. The rollsare wound H A R D the hole in the
center is only 1 inch and colors extremely brilliant, so that
effect of tricks is immensely increased.
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To performers ordering in lots of 100 cr more rolls we
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T H E ONLY PACER IN THE UNITED STATES DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF MAGictANSi SPIRITUALISTS, MESMERISTS. E T C .

VOL.

1. No. XII.

NEW YORK, JUNE, 1898.

PROF. ELLIOTT.
This month we present to the readers ol MAHATMA the
peer of all card manipulators up to the present. Great originality is the one characteristic of his card work and
he has truthfully been called "The Card Wonder of the 19th
Century." This educated artist has catered to the amuse-

SINGLE COPY,

IO CENTS

difficult, and at the same time almost unknown card effects.

Whilst securely blindfolded he not only deceives the general
public but completely staggers card conjurers, so they are
free to confess they do not understand his original and ever
perplexing card tricks and sleights. He has contributed in
no small degree to the progress of magic in America and hi

THE CHALLENGE CHAMPION CARD MANIPULATOR OK THE WORLD.

ment seeking public as a specialty card expert for the

past 15 years. He is by far the most popular and ablest
instructor in card work in America, and he is widely
known at home and abroad paiticularly for his original
achievements, he being the first to perform some of the most

name will always be an esteemed one in card conjuring

annals. Throughout the civilized world he has achieved a
reputation as the foremost card manipulator. He is a very
careful and painstaking teacher and his genial ways ingratiates him with all who are fortunate enough to meet him

Mahatma

MAHATMA.
I S S U E D T I 1 K 1ST O F E A C H
GEO.

H. LITTLE,

MONTH.

E D I T O R AND P R O P R I E T O R .

493 6 T H A V E N U E , N E W Y O R K ,

U . S. A.

SUBSCRIPTION, $1.00 PKR YKAR, S I N G L E COPIES IO C E N T S .

RATES OF ADVERTISEMENTS Twenty cents per line, nonpareil type measure; space of one
inch, $2 40 each insertion. Deduction of 20 per cent, is allowed on advertisements when paid
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Remittances should be made by check, post office or express money order, or registered
lettei.

Entered at the New York Post Office as second class matter.

bulb under your arm which opens shutter and displays figure one, etc.
Another method which is much simpler is to have a fake button on
the back of your dress coat, the button is made with a flap which by
pulling a piece of black thread fastened to the vest. When you pull
the thread it pulls cover of the button over and shows a white spot on
the button, giving the person blindfolded the tip. Another way is to
have a piece of tape that you pull up from the back of the neck of the
coat. I have even trained my right ear to move up and down and
thus give my assistant the tip.
HAMI.EV'S

NEW SYSTEM

CARD DIVINATION

II.I.ISION.

This forms a capital trick for evening parties, smoking soirees,

etc. It is easily learnt and can be worked with great effect after very
The sole agents for the sale of "MAHATMA" in England is the celebrated and old established tirm of Messrs. H n m l c y .Brothers, and
little practice, it is performed with any pack of cards, and a perfectly
it may be obtained at their Grand Magical Saloons, 229 High Holnew and unopened pack may be used, the effect is as follows: A
l)orn, London, where also advertisements are received for it and
card is selected from the pack by any lady or gentleman and placed
every information given respecting it.
faced downward on the table, the performer or thought reader at
MAIIATMA would ask as a favor that all magicians will send their
once names the card, which is then turned up to show that he is coraddress and all news appertaining to magicians to this office, and
also names of persons interested in magic. The aim of this paper is
rect, if preferred any one may take the pack into his own hands,
to reach all magicians There are many persons interested in magic
look the card through and select any card, showing it to the others
who have never heard of this paper, please send us the address of any
but taking care that the performer does not see it. He then lays it
whom you may know. Anything new in magic will be published
face downward on the table and yet the performer at once names it.
and credit given to person sending it.
Any number of cards may be told one after the other and the pack
ELLIOTT.CONTINI in.
may be changed if desired for another one. This marvellous yet
simple illusion is performed as follows:
personally. He is a clever thinker, and is never too conservative to
aid the struggling amateur into the vast field of card mysteries. He
A confederate is required, who before the trick commences, lights
is firm in his convictions and unflinching when he is confident he is a cigar and then stands behind the others, apparently only engaged
right, and with that tact which-is never at fault how to impress his
in smoking it, but really he is giving the signals to the performer as
audience with the belief that he is their warm personal friend as well to what the card selected is, the performer should place his hand to
as magical entertainer, and that no case interests him as much as the his forehead or before his eyes as if to control or govern his thoughts
one which he is at that moment attending. He is a card genius of
whilst solving the mystery of the hidden card, but this really gives
exceptionally rare ability and his many years of experience gives great
him an opportunity of looking unobserved at his confederate and
weight to his opinion regarding card tricks. At some future time he
getting the key from him. The code is follows: If the card is an
will publish his complete work on card manipulating. He is the ace, the cigar is held in the right hand by the thumb and first finger.
treasurer of "The Magic Mystic Fraternity," the only magical society
If a 2 is held in the same hand by the thumb and second finger, if
in existence. He contributed greatly to "New Era Card Tricks," the a 3, the same hand by thumb and third linger, if a 4 the same hand
book published by A. Roterberg. Amongst professional card players
by thumb or little finger, if a 5 the same hand by thumb and two first
he is called "The Boston Kid," and just now he has a standing challingers, if a (> the same hand by thumb and two middle fingers, if a
lenge to tin- world tn manipulate cards with any person, and for any
7 the same hand by thumb, third and little finger, if S the same hand
amount.
by thumb and all the fingers, if a o it is held in the left hand by
thumb and first finger, if a 10 in the left hand by thumb and second
SILENT SECOND SIGHT.
finger, if a knave in the left hand by thumb and third finger, if queen
BY MARRY IIOUDINI.
in the left hand by thumb and two first fingers, if king in the left
I generally open the act with the talking code, then the silent hand by thumb and all the fingers To give the different suites the
curie of motions, I then call for a committee of six, three on each
cigar is placed or held as follows: Clubs, put the cigar in the right
side, and nave them hold a slate or pad in front of me and the
hand corner of the mouth; hearts, put the cigar in the left hand cormedium will tell in an instant what ever the committee writes on
ner of the mouth; spades put the cigyr, in the middle of the mouth;
the pad. You must have coat fixed to hold a disc; first have two
diamonds, hold the cigar away from the mouth.
plates of tin made, one eight and the other eight and a half inches in
o:
diameter. The larger one is sewed on the inside of the coat, which
T H E LIGHTNING R E V E R S E .
is double, and serves as a track for the eight inch dial to run on; the
eight inch is rivited loosely and runs on tiny wheels, this has been
This is a simple trick with a pack of ordinary playing cards, but
with some well conceived patter it can be made into a rather effective
little trick. ^ pack of cards is handed to a gentleman with a request
to select the four aces. This being done the pack is passed on to a
lady for her to pick out the four kings. The performer receives the
cards back and after calling attention to the fact that there are no
more aces or kings therein, desires the lady to place the four kings
in the centre of the pack at the same time cutting the cards in two
portions, in order that he may place the kings in the pack. The pass
is then made, and the four kings are secretly counted and pushed a
trifle off the top of the pack in readiness for the bottom change. This
can be done while you are inquiring of the gentleman whether he can
find any preparation about the aces he has in his custody. Taking
these cards from the gentleman, remark: "These four aces I will
place in the tumbler which you see on my table." In indicating the
glass on the table the hands are momentarily brought together, and
the aces are changed for the kings unperceived by the company. The
aces are apparently placed in the tumbler, but in reality they are
at the bottom of the pack. While you are engaged in putting the
cards in the tumbler with the right hand, make a single-handed pass
with the left hand, which brings'the aces to the center. The pack is
painted black with the figures from 1 to o, in white, this enables the
next handed to a lady and a change commanded to take place. On
medium to read the figures easier, medium has a fake blindfold.
inspection the cards are found to have reversed their positions.
The coat has a trap or a shutter flap which is closed until you squeeze
HUCAI.I. BENEDICT, The Thanet Wizard, London.

Mahatma
can only be acquired by the true artist. Mr. Leroy's concluding
Illusion is a masterpiece of the conjurers ingenuity, and was presented in a masterly manner by this clever little disciple of Mcphisto.
Every lover of magic should see him whenever the opportunity
presents itself. Personally Mr. Leroy is a very agreeable and unassuming gentleman.
F. D. IIKWES.
o
CLKVELAND NEWS.
Maurice Raymonc, hypnotist and necromancer is en-route.
Freund, magician, is producing an original trunk mystery with
his own show.
W. J. Watson is doing a clever act in sleight of hand.
Karl Mattmueller reports a prosperous season, his succession of
surprises in comedy conjuring takes everywhere.
BOSTON NOTES.
At Keiths, May 25th, the Gockers, jugglers, and DeYilliers,
French magician and illusionist.
At Howard, Sparrow, clown juggler, and the Tanakas, Japanese
magicians.
May 2d, Kellar, opened at the museum for 3 weeks, playing to full
1 houses with the greatest magic show ever seen in Boston.
At Keiths, John J. Harty, waiter juggler.
At Howard, Emma Cotrelly, lady juggler.
May yth, at Keiths, John LeClair, expert juggler.
Prof. Lawrence, hypnotist is in city preparing for a western
trip.

SERVAIS LEROY.
Through the courtesy extended by Manager Aarons, the Editor
of MAHATMA and I visited Koster & Bial's. The bill presented was
one of exceptional merit. Each act a feature, and every performer
an artist. Being of a magical turn of mind, I was particularly interested in the work of Mr. Servais Leroy, who presents himself as "The
Devil" in full dress. Mr. Leroy is far superior to the generality of
The above are good likenesses of Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Robinson,
modern magicians, he is graceful and artistic, his clever witticisms who have just closed another season with Herrmann the Great Co.,
are as pleasing to the ear, as his wonderful dexterious palming is to making their twelfth season. Their act the "Maid of the Moon''
the eye. All of his tricks are performed with that peculiar skill that proved the feature of the show.

Who Says Magic

MAGICAL APPARATUS.
Reliable Goods at
Moderate Prices.
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JOHN HENRICKS,

'BIG VARIETY.

Jnst out. My new 60 page Catalogue No. 5, brimful of

new ideas. Send stamp for same.

A. ROTERBERG,
145 ILLINOIS STREET,
L CHICAGO, I1X.

Sole Chicago Agent for

Latest Copies and back numbers of the
latter always on hand

WIZARD OF THE ATLANTIC,

On Board the Steamship Germanic,
7O Cliatluuu Street,
LIVERPOOL.

is Dead ?

T.Nelson Downs
"King of Koins."
f>th week ,11 ILiminerMi-in's Olyinpia. (largest and most magnificent
amusement resort in the world )
Permanent address,
154 W . 15th St., N. Y.

C I STRQHMENSCR JR 4 9 3 Si*th
V>,

L-r

V-J 1 1 \ W l

1/

l U I N U U w l V, Cjr\ M

Avenue

'

M E W YORK CITY.

DEPOT FOR THEATRICAL HARDWAREJAND SUPPLIES.

Agent for J. R. Clancy, of Syracuse, N. Y. Sole Manufacturer Excelsior Profile, Keystones and Corners. Estimates given for Stage Supplies.

Mahatma
We are indebted to Mr. LeRoy, of Boston, for these old programmes which will prove of great interest to MAIIATMA'S readers.
AUSTRALIA.
LYCEUM THEATRIC. IMPORTANT ATTRACTION'S FOR
ONE WEEK ONLY.
MAGIC WITHOUT APPARATUS AND TRIUMPH OF SLKKilll ub HAM).

To-night, Monday, May 4, 1863, and during the week. WASHINGTON SIMMONS, from St. James" Hall, London, will give his Grand
Soirees Funtastiques of Magic and Mystery.Astonishing Illusions !
No apparatus. No confederates. New Tricks every night.
Washington Simmons, the American Frickell, is pronounced by
the Victoria and South Australian press to be the most extraordinary
performer that has visited the Colonies.
THE GKF.AT SPIRIT SWINDLES.By which Messrs. Foster and

Home imposed upon Fashionable and Literary World of London, as

recorded in the Times and other journals in March, 1S62, will be performed, including the -'Mysterious Writing on the Arm," "The Raps
Under the Table," and ''The Writing by the Invisible Hand."
Among the more extraordinary feats of Prestidigitation performed by Professor Simmons are the following:Resurrection of the
CardsLittle TommyTransmigrationMoney MakingSpiritual
CalculatorThe Right Thing in the Wrong PlaceTelegraph EclipsedGordian KnotMysterious Writing on the Arm(Foster's Great
Imposture), Adventures of a Pocket Handkerchief,The Language
of Money,Secret Attraction,The Seals of Love,Mysterious Disappearance and Reappearance,The Hat that Holds Everything,
The Apple of Fortune,Balls and Basin,The Raps Under the Table,The Demon's Handkerchief,Transformation Extraordinary,
Diminishing Eggs,Miraculous Bowls of Fish,Two Hundred
Balls and Goblets,The Great Postal Trick,FlyingCards,Metampsychosis,- Writing by the Invisible Hand !
This is the once famous " Dr. Lynn," who created such astir in
the London Egyptian Hall in 1S73.

S1GN0R RECANATI.
ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE, MARCH 26, 1855.

RECANATI, the Wizard, the man that can take the shine out of all
the wizards. In short, he may exclaim, with William: " I am myself
alone!" No puff. Come and judge.
Recanati puzzles the wise, confounds the ignorant, mystifies the
sensible, and, as William says: "Amaze indeed the very faculties of
eyes and ears."
WHO IS HE ?
Sage Man; Italian Magician; Grave Preceptor; Necromantic
King; Oh, Mighty Wizard; Reign Thyself Alone. Renowned Logician; Eccentric Illusionist; Conjurer Mysterious; Australia's Star,
Nature's Son of Science; All great Philosopher; Thou art wonder
wise; I'll never look upon thy like again.

CONJURERS IN AUSTRALIA.
April 6, 1S54Professor Horace Sidney.
December 5, 1854B. Lennot, " Wizard of the South."
March 12, 1855Professor Jacobs.
March 26, 1S55Signor Recanati.
March 24, 1S56Mons. Theo, " The French Magician."
June 21, 1S58Professor Anderson, " Wizard of the North."
June 16, 1S60Professor Bennett Clay.
December 24, i860Mr. Harry Houdin.
May 4, 1863Washington Simmons (" Dr. Lynn.")
Prof. Kellar has closed his season.
Powell is still mystifying the people at the Grand Opera House,
Philadelphia.
Servais Leroy is still at Koster & Bials. The Professor is receiving a well merited and cordial reception at this house.
, Prof. Jewett is still playing dates with his usual success.

PRINCE OF WALES THEATREMARCH 24, 1856.

MONS. TIIEO.THE FRENCH MAGICIAN.

The Enchanted Orange Tree and the Mysterious Butterflies; the

Telescope of Mephisto; the Magic Casket; the Obedient and Intellectual Clocks; the Travelling Half Crowns; the Atmospheric Washerwoman; the Mysterious Portfolio and Animated Pictures; the
Bowls of Neptune; the Shower of Gold Fish; the Horn of Plenty;
Showering Gifts from Flora to the Audience.
MAGIC CAULDRONTHE HARLEQUINPYRAMIDS.

Mysterious Packing Case and Flying Handkerchief; the Mesmeric Canary; the Magic Bouquet and Card Target; the Pyramids of
Egypt; the Enchanted Half-crowns and Mysterious Lampshade;
Dissolving Mirror and Hora"s Basket; the Decanter of Wine and
Cameleon Ball; the Enchanted Rose; the Cornucopian Hats.
The Magic Clock; the Speaking Bell; Enchanted Bouquet; Travelling Coins; a n e w method of making Coffee; the Bird, dead and
alive; the Enchanted Bottle,
ROYAL HOTEL,(LARGE SALOON,) GEORGE ST., TUESDAY EVENING,

DECEMBER 5, 1854,

AND EVERY EVENING.

B. LENNOT, the Wizard of the South, has the honor to announce

to the nobility, gentry and public of Sidney and its vicinity, a series
of his unrivalled entertainments in Natural Magic and Legerdemain.
He accomplishes by the combination of physics and mechanics with
his prestidigitation, such extraordinary wonders that unless seen
would never be believed. Among the experiments will be introduced:
PART FIRST.The Genius of the Night; the Magic Cage and Invisible Canary; the Invisible Handkerchief; Travelling Cards; Multiplication of Cards; Mysterious Plumes; the Magic Mill; the Cornucopia. Interval of ten minutes.
The Crystal Balls, inroducing wonderful feats of sleight-of-hand
and proving the fallacy of the axiom that "but of nothing, nothing
comes." The Mysterious Cannon Ball, the most novel delusion of
the day, the Ink Vase Illusion '. the Magic Target, or the Mysterious
Flight of Handkerchief; Burnt Handkerchief Restored; the Wizard's
Patent; Flying Rabbit; " Tempus Fugit," " O h , where is my
Watch?" To conclude with The'Inexhaustible Bottle, acknowledged by all to be the most surprising.delusion of the present age.

Zanetti is receiving favorable newspaper comments on his clever

work.
Crane, the magician is playing Proctor's houses, this city.
J. NELSON DOWNS, " T h e King of Koins," is now at Hammerstein's Olympia in his fifth successive week at that famous Music
Hall. He is booked all up solid for the next two years in Europe,
opening at Crystal Palace, London; Berlin, Germany and Paris.
GOLDIN, the Humorous Wizard, is booked to open at Pastor's
next week, making his sixth week at this popular house this season.
Mr. Goldin has remained in New York successfully for three years.

HEW

TRICKS,

New 100 Page Pictorial Catalogue, with Pictures of Leading

Professionals.

LATEST EUROPEAN NOVELTIES.

Magic, Second Sight and anti-Spiritualism. Up-to-date. Send
15c. for same. No free list.
W. D. L E R O Y , 103 Court Street, Boston, Mass.
GEO. H. L I T T L E ,
Teacher of Magic, Shadowgraphs, Chapeaugraphy.
For terms, etc., apply to 493 6th Ave.

SOMETHING NEW UNDER THE SUN.

WM. E. ROBINSON, the Man of Mystery offers
is original illusions for sale.
Evanishment, The Weight of Love, The Ladder of Fame, The
Witches Daughter, Cupid, Kyoto, Mumbo Jumbo, Satan's Bride,
Schrive of Buddha, Birth of the Lily, The Smuggler, Life and Death,
Creation, Youth and Old Age, The Woman of Flames.
The above and more to follow are duly copyrighted and fully protected. I will prosecute
one and all infringing on my rights. Illusions improved upon. Your ideas carried out. When
in doubt write me Books on Magic, etc., bought, sold and exchanged. Photographs of
magical celebrities for sale.
W I L L I A M E . R O B I N S O N , Care of MAHATMA, 493 Sixth Ave., New York.

Mahatma
COIN TRICK.
The performer calls attention to a piece of newspaper
and makes a cornucopia of it and places it in a glass that is
on a common dinner plate that is upon your table. Rolls
his sleeves up showing nothing concealed in sleeves or
hands. He then picks up from his table a half dollar and
passes it inside the cornucopia which he has shown empty,
this he continues to do until he passes four coins, or any
number that he wishes to, and upon opening the cornucopia
four half dollars fall upon the plate from the inside of the
cornucopia. How it is done: In the first place the cornucopia is made from a piece of newspaper that has already
been prepared in the following manner. The newspaper is
doubled over making half the size of the paper, the sides
and top are pasted together to resemble one piece of paper;
but before doubling over you paste two or three pieces of
tissue paper four inches square in the center of paper, making four separate pockets, so coins do not rattle, and you
leave top of the pockets open, in which you place your
coins before the entertainment, as many as you wish to use,
being careful when picking up the paper to make the cornucopia not to let the coins fall out. Now have a dozen coins
on your table and the first one you pass inside the cornucopia you really palm it, keeping in it the hand, or if you wish
to show your hands empty pocket it, the second one in the
same manner, making as much of a noise as you can with
the coins when you pick them up, the third coin you pick
up, you again lay it on the table to assure your audience
that as your sleeves are rolled up it is impossible for it to
disappear up your sleeves and as your hands do not come
in contact with your person the coin must actually pass inside at your command. This time you make believe you
pick up the coin, rattling them as though picking up one;
then call their attention to the tact that by passing it from
one hand to the other it gradually becomes smaller, until it
is has really vanished, and when you take in consideration
that you had nothing in your hands to commence witha
very easy matterbut to the audience a very clever piece of
work. The fourth coin you merely palm and when you
open the cornucopia you drop it with the three you have
already in it upon the plate. The reason for using the plate
to place the glass upon is simply to make a noise dropping
the coins upon it.
FLAG OR HANDKERCHIEF TRICK.
A clever little deception is that of passing a small silk
flag or handkerchief from an envelope into a potato. Take
three envelopes each a little smaller than the first one so that
they will fit inside of each other. Have some person in the
audience place the (lag inside of the envelope, seal it, and
place it inside the second one, and likewise the third, which
vou place after all three being sealed, upon a small easel upon
your table where all can see it. You show the potato perfectly sound, and then command the handkerchief to pass
inside of the potato. Cut the potato open in the center and
you find the handkerchief. You open the envelopes and the
handkerchief has disappeared. Explanation: Take one of

those knives you use to core apples and make a hole

through the potato; place the handkerchief inside, then take
the two ends that your knife has taken from the potato
making the same as two corks or stoppers, the potato looking as though never having been touched. Have your easel
made of card board so that you can have a dummy envelope
on the back of it, and when you pick up the real envelope
you pick up the dummy with it. Tear open the first envelope of the dummy and take out the second one and saying perhaps the gentleman would like to open it himself,
you lay the torn envelope on the table with the real envelope
that has the handkerchief in it, the audience not noticing it.
Of course when the second is opened you find the third envelope and when opened the handkerchief has disappeared.
Or you can switch the easel by placing it from one table to
the othermerely turning the easel around so the fake
envelope is facing the audience. You could then take it
down and let a person open the three envelopes.

"Tricks in Magic, Illusions and Mental Phenomena."

VOI.OLE III.
Contains explanations of the following three tricks by the well-known writer. Prof. HofT"
mann. '*The Magic Tambourine," "The Great Dictionary Trick," and "The Climbing Ring,1
also Maskelyne's '"Spiritualistic Couch," "The Revolving Bust Illusion," "Bautier's Human
Cage," "Bautier in a Fix," "Morritt's Cabinet," "Denstone's Metempsychosis," "David Devant's Flying Thimble," "McLaughlin's Patent Thought Reading Trick," and "Euclid Outdone, or The Spirit Mathematician;" all fully illustrated with from one to five illustrations lo
each trick or jllusion. In all twenty-eight illustrations The Sketch of the career of Frederick
Bancroft, the American Conjurer, with reasons for his non-success, is given. The book contains also a complete Bibliograph of magic, conjuring and amusements, in English, German
and French, being the most thorough work on this subject ever published. The Bibliography
alone makes this a work ol inestimable value to the professor, amateur and general reader.
378 works listed. Price 2$ cents.

CHAS. L. BURLINGAME & CO.,

Itox 8 5 1 , C h i c a g o .

Cat-a-Iog of Illusions and books on Magic gratis.

Carl Willmann,
HAMBURG, Germany.
Nue A B C STRASSE 3.
Manufacturer of

Magical Apparatus.
Catalogue

ISc.

FINAL NOTICE 2 N. Y'ers.

On and after June 14th, I am in New
York City, where I take charge of my
card class. If URABginner
I'm your man, and I have got some
new ones for advanced pupils.
Better write me now. lam,
Sincerely yours,

ELLIOTT,
The Challenge Champion Kard Manipulator of the World.
Box 1551, Boston, Mass.
J. A. Richardson, Backer and Manager.
P. S.After June 14th address me care of MAHATMA.

Mahatma
THE KING OF CONJURERS.CONTINUED.
BY HENRY KIDGELY KVANS.

Robert-Houdm's career was an extremely romantic one, particularly

that part relating to his Algerian adventures. He went to Algeria as
an ambassador from the French Government to counteract the baneful
influence of the Marabout priests (the Moslem miracle-mongers) over
the fanatical Arabs. He succeeded in his mission by showing that a
French wizard, who depended solely on his dexterity and the resources of science, was the superior of the Marabout magicians, who
pretended to genuine occult powers. Was ever a conjurer more honored by his country ?
The autobiography of the great French Fantaisist ends somewhat abruptly with his retirement from the stage. After ceding his
theatre to his son-in-law and associate, M. Hamilton, he settled in
the country, on the left bank of the Loire, at St. Gervais, not far from
the historical old town of Blois. 'Twas here he built a magic villa,
full of surprises for those who visited it.
Houdin's personal appearance is thus described by a writer in
Larousse's "Encyclopedie:" " He was a man of small stature. His
manners were exceedingly engaging and vivacious. His clean-cut
profile resembled some of those old medallion portraits of the noblesse
of the XVIII. century. His face was clean-shaven, showing a large
and eloquent- mouth. In his old age, his head was crowned with
snow white hair; his eyes up to the last retained thefireand brilliancy
of a man of twenty-years."
The closing scenes in the life of this really remarkabie man (the
"Father of Modern Conjurers" he has been called) is a sealed book
to English-speaking admirers. Who would not like to know about
it ? Houdin passed out of this our mortal life, June 13th, 1871, at St.
Gervais; his age being sixty-six years. Not very old; but a life

recently visited the widow of Robert-IIoudin's son, and obtained

from her some interesting data. She exhibited to him some of the
apparatus manufactured by the great Houdin, among other things
the ''magic clock." She also had in her possession several photographs of Houdin, and a little book in English (privately printed) by
Houdin's admirer, William Manning. It is entitled: "Recollections
of Robert-Houdin. By William Manning, Seer, to the Sette of odd
volumes. Delivered at a meeting of the Sette held at Limmer's
Hotel on Friday, Dec. 7, 1890. Imprinted at the Chiswick Press,
Tooks Court; Chancery Lane, London, mdcccxci. This edition is
limited to 205 copies, and is imprinted for private circulation only,
No. 146. Presented to Madame Veuve Emile Robert-Houdin, by W.
Manning." This work contains the following list of illustrations: (1)
Portrait of Robert-Houdin, (2) The Inexhaustible Bottle, (3) The
Suspension by Ether, (4) The Chinese Tumbler, (5) The Writing
Automaton, (d) The Mysterious Clock, (7) The Electric Clock, (8)

FACSIMILE OF ROBERT-lIOUDIN's AUTOGRAPH, USED ON VISITING CARDS.

Cigarette Smoker, (9) Robert-Houdin's own Alarum, (10) RubertHoudin's visiting card.
Madame Houdin stated that her father-in-law's body was buried
in the cemetery of Blois.
BIHLIOGRAI'HY OF WORKS BY ROI1KRT-7IOUDIN.

Card-sharping exposed. Translated and edited, with notes by

Prof. Hoffman(Angelo Lewis). London and New York, 1882, i2mo.,
316 pp. Memoirs of Robert-Houdin, Ambassador. Author, and Conjurer, written by himself. Translated from the French by R. Slielton Mackenzie. Philadelphia, 1859, I2mo., 373 pp.
The Secrets of Conjuring and Magic; or, How to Become a Wizard. T.anslated and edited, with notes, by Prof. Hoffmann. London and New York, 1878. 121110. 373 pp.
The Secrets of Stage "Conjuring. Translated and edited, with
notes, by Prof. Hoffmann. London and New York, 1S81. i2mo.,
252 pp.
o
LONDON NOTES.
Mr. Jacobi, conductor of orchestra at the Alhambra, has just returned after twenty-six years of service. He has produced 103 ballads. On March 2d, a grand complimentary benefit will be given.
Madame Decka, a fascinating little Parisian Illusionist, has been
crowded with strange incidents. It is said by occultists that man's performing at the Empire with marked success, a very pretty feat
sojourn on this earth-plane is for the purpose of gaining experiences. being a large number of white balls which she produces in a mysIf so, Houdin had his full share of them. Perhaps in the musty files terious manner from behind her dainty fan. Another illusion worked
of some of the French newspapers may be found accounts of his by the above artist wr-ich is being well received is as follows: A
death. During his lifetime his exploits filled the pages of the press. small proscenium is erected on the stage, nothing else being visible,
Everything appertaining to Robert-Houdin has always possessed out of this appears a life-size model of a clown, the limbs are dea fascination for me. The widow of his son resides at Boulogne-sur- tached one by one and placed in a basket.
Professor Vents, has been performing at the Royal Standard
Seine. A year ago when I was preparing my chapters for Hopkins'
"Magic," etc., I wrote her several letters couched in my best Ameri- Music Hall.
Victor Andre, the celebrated conjurer has been doing a big busican-French, asking for information as to the last days of her distinguished father-in-law, but she never replied. The Theatre-Robert- ness at the Free Trade Hall, Manchester.
Houdin, which ran for so many years on the Boulevarddes I/aliens,
Mr. Maskelyne's new programme for the Easter Holidays at the
is now closed; for lack of patronage, it is said. This is not the origi- Egyptian Hall, London, has been going well, several new magical
nal theatre of the great Houdin; that miniature abode of the Magi feats being introduced.
was located in the Palais Royal.
That clever conjurer, Mr. Dcvant, has also some new magical
Through the kindness of Mr. Charles L. Burlingame, of Chicago, problems.
author of a number of works on conjuring, I am enabled to present
Imro Fox, who has been performing at the Empire, has finished
to the readers of "MAHATMA," the autograph of Robert-Houdin, such
there
after a very successful engagement.
as was used by him on his visiting cards. A little imp with a forked
Fred. Russell, the clever coster ventriloquist, has put in some
tail is depicted writing the name of the great conjurer. Some of the
French journals were wont to speak of Houdin as Robert le Diable, good work at the Alha-ubra, Brighton. We hear this gentleman may
in playful allusion to his powers as a necromancer and sorcerer. be visiting Australia and the States shortly.
Perhaps this nom de theatre suggested to Houdin the idea of the
Prof. Hartz, the celebrated conjurer, has been a big draw with
"imp-autograph." Mr. Burlmgame's cousin, who resides in Paris, his " Le Chapeau and Diable," at the Palace of Varieties, Chatham,

Mahatma

INDIAN JUGGLERY.
BY \VM. E. ROBINSON,
The trick of popping corn in a
sheet held by two assistants is a
most barefaced proceeding. A
quantity of raw corn is placed in
the sheet. This corn the juggler
now starts to toss back and forth
in the sheet with a little instrument
called a suplce which looks for
all the world like a dust pan without a handle, the same as are used
by our good housewifes. There is
a peculiarity about the suplce the
aii'Mrnce is not aware of, and that is the fact that it is double and
contains corn already popped between the sides or bottom. This
corn is released with the sheet as the raw corn is stirred up.
There is a trick in which a couple of rabbits are produced from a
small empty basket. Two rabbits are placed in a small cloth bag
and placed in the large bag of tricks on the ground by the side of
the juggler. He now places the small basket upside down on the
ground in front of him; he then goes to his bag and brings forth his
god Rhamsamee which he places on top of the basket. He goes to
the bag again and brings forth a square piece of cloth which he
spreads over the basket. The cloth is large enough to reach to the
large bag. He now goes again into the bag and brings forth a torn
torn or one of their peculiar pipes or reeds they play upon. This he
places on top of the cloth. When procuring this pipe he has stealthily
sneaked the bag of rabbits out of large bag underneath the cloth.
After playing a short while on the pipe he introduces one hand under
the cloth and brings the bag of rabbits close to the basket; he now
lifts basket and bag of rabbits with this one hand still covered with
the cloth, and asks the spectators to feel that Rnamsamee is still under the cloth on top of basket; he now replaces the basket but holds
it with one hand outside of cloth, while the other hand under
cloth releases the rabbits from bag and place them under the basket
as it is being lowered to the ground. Some more pipe playing, incantations, cloth removed and bag concealed in it, basket lifted from
the ground and rabbits are seen. From the above description it
might strike the reader as a very commonplace affair, and not amount
to much, but you should see these chaps work it, and the air of mystery they give it, and the astonishment it causes.
The boat trick or hubble bubble is as unique and perplexing a trick
as was ever presented by these wonder workers. The apparatus is
composed of a cocoanut shell hollowed out from a small opening at
the eye end, and having a very small hole one quarter of an inch in
diameter, and about two inches from the aperture mentioned. A
round stick like a chair rung answers the purpose; about eight inches
long with a hole one sixteenth of an inch diameter, drilled its entire
length, is a small boat about eighteen inches long, five inches
wide and two deep, with a small hole bored through the side near the
bottom. A small seat bar is at one end, in which is drilled a hole
large enough for the chair rung to fit tightly. The cocoanut is now
filled with water, holding at the same time a finger over the hole in
the side; insert one end of the chair rung tightly into cocoanut, fill
the boat with water, and gently place rung with cocoanut into the
hole or seat in boat, at regular intervals of a few seconds the water
and air will throw a stream from the small hole in the side of cocoanut into the boat; it appears to stop and flow at command of the conjurer. As seen it is simply a very clever application of the natural
laws of atmospheric pressure and hydraulics. Of course the juggler
impresses his audience with the fact that the water flows and stops
at his command, as though he alone was the power that controlled it.
Simplicity and boldness is what often makes a trick more bewildering than many of those upon which time, trouble and expense
has not been spared.
The following will exemplify what I mean. It is called the
'Dancing Duck," it is very amusing and defies detection. The
juggler seated crossed legged upon the ground is beating a torn torn,

and in front of him is a half of a cocoanut shell setting upon three

small stones; the shell is filled with dirty water, after a few gestures
and nonsensical talk, a small duck either of china or wood, suddenly
appears on the surface of the water and begins to dance at command
of the juggler and then finally disappears into the water again. The
secret of this is the magicians old standby, the reliable black hair, one
end is fasten to the duck, and then goes through a minute hole in
bottom of cocoanut shell and thence to the juggler's hand which
of course gives the motive power to the string and thence to the
duck. Of course when the juggler slackens the hair the duck immediately floats to the surface, and the hand of conjurer beating the torn
torn easily makes it dance. The reason of the cocoanut setting on
the three small stones is to prevent any pressure ou the hair or thread.
The juggler splashes a little water around the shell before commencing the trick so as to disguise what little might leak out through the
hole the thread passes through. Another seeming impossibility is
the apparent lifting, by means of cords attached to the juggler's eyeballs, of a heavy weight of about twenty pounds. The ends of the
cord not fastened to the article to be lifted, are each tied into large
knots or balls or fastened to small round buttons or silver nails. The
weight is now resting on the floor. The juggler inserts the prepared
end of cord into the socket or cavity of the eye at the corner at the
side he is leaning over, or in a bent position. If he were now to lift
up it would be an utter impossibility to lift the weight as it would
pull the cords out from the eyes. But he throws his head well back
and bends the knees until his eyes, the cord and weight are all on a
straight line, if we were looking at him side view. He now gradually straightens himself up without disturbing the position of the
cord, and the weight is easily lifted, and the cord remains in the eye
because it is a straight downward pull. Just cut a slit in center of a
piece of card board, and tie a knot on a string and place it in the slot,
pull down on cord and see if it does not stay there. If the card board
and string are kept perpendicular. This article would not be consid
ered complete if I didn't touch on the subject of the basket trick.
Now let me state right here that there is more than one way em
ployed. It depends upon circumstances and surroundings which
method shall be put into use. I shall describe the usual mode that
can be done anywhere and under severe circumstances. The juggler
takes one of his assistants and envelope him with a net which is tied
securely together. The man thus secured is laid across the mouth
of the basket; the basket is of a somewhat peculiar shape, it is considerable larger at the bottom than at the top, and it is about three
feet long, eighteen inches wide and two foot deep. The shape of the
basket makes it look considerably smaller than it is. A sheet is now
placed over all and within a very short time the net is thrown out
from under the sheet and in it is enclosed the man's turbin; the juggler has apparently disappeared, the sheet is down on the basket
showing the man is not there, and to further prove it the conjurer
jumps on the sheet and into the basket, stamping ah around in it,
and even sets down in it; after this he gets out. He now places the
lid on the basket, and he removes the sheet or tucks the ends all back
into the basket, all the time however keeping lid over basket, and
binds basket with rope, and now with a sword pierces the basket in
all directions through small holes in top. This convinces the skeptic
the basket is empty and as the basket has been previously examined
and found devoid of trap door it greatly bewilders him.
There is now a commotion in the basket it begins to rock to and
fro, and roll about as if endowed with life. The ropes are now unfastened and the cover removed and there is found the juggler completely filling the basket. Now how is this all accomplished, it seems
hardly possible without resource to some application of trap door,
double basket, etc. The net is an ordinary looking affair, all of the
cords forming its meshes are tied at the junctions of the mesh, with
the exception of one, running from top to bottom ; this cord is simply
given a turn around each cord of the mesh and finally tied to the
bottom. This cord is untied and unlaced and allows the juggler to
get out, and he immediately relaces and ties it, and then throws it
out from under the sheet and coils himself around the bottom of the
basket, some lay with their back outward and legs bent against body;
others with their back inward and the whole body in a circle. It is
now that the conjurer jumps into the basket; when the cover is placed

Mahatma
on, and basket tied and the sword thrusts are made; he is kept busy
dodging the point of the sword. Sometimes instead of producing
the man from the basket, he is made to appear from out of the.
crowd. Really a double who resembles him. Another dodge is sometimes used by which the man is actually gotten out of the basket; at
the rear of the basket is assembled the five or six assistants of the
conjurer, setting on the ground close to the ring formed by the spectators, after conjurer has stamped around in the basket he gets out
of it standing at the rear of it and taking hold of the sheet slowly
lifts it out and draws it toward him and completely ojt of the basket
and throws it over his assistants, at the same time giving the basket a
severe kick, sending it bounding away from him towards his audience
who eagerly inspect it. In the act of drawing away the sheet the
man under cover of it has made his escape to his companions and the
sheet covers them all. In their endeavors to get out from it they
jostle the crowd and Ihe man escapes through it. The main attention being given to the basket. S.ime baskets are made with a trap
in them, and a small boy is used. One of the conjurer's assistants
wearing a loose robe, is asked to tie the rope across the basket, and
as he does so the boy escapes from the basket under the robes of the
assistant and hangs on to a belt or strap at the waist, and when the
man retires to the edge of circle the boy makes his escape with the
crowd. Still another method is that of preparing the ground before
hand by digging a hole in it, and then covering it with boards and
earth, the boy escapes from the basket, through trap, also down
into hole through trap in the boards. Numerous other devices are
used of more or less deceptive powers. I will now close my article
with a short reference to the mango tree trick. In all descriptions
given of the effect of this trick it invariably states that the juggler
planted a seed in the earth and a small twig made its appearance
which gradually, before their very eyes, grew into a mango tree,
varying in height from twelve to twenty feet in height. People
writing or describing the above are fit subjects for a lunatic asylum.
Everytime the trick is done a large cloth is employed, and the size of
the mango trick is also limited in size according to how much the
conjurer can conceal about him or on in his bag of tools. He commences by planting in the earth a mango seed, and covers it with the
cloth, on removing it a small twig is seen having been planted there
by the conjurer, again this is covered, and the cloth again removed,
and a tree about a foot high is seen. This operation is repeated
until a tree about five or six feet high is seen. Of course each time
the cloth is covered over the preceding branch a larger one is introduced from its concealment. The manner of concealing a tree of
five or six feet high is by bending it so it takes one-half its height, the
two ends are tied together, one end a little lower down than the
other, this end is planted in the ground; now the cloth is removed, at
the same time the tree is untied and it springs to its natural height.
Several conjurers have written tales, fairy tales, good solid lies of
the wonderful feats they have seen these Hindoos perform, and
acknowledge the impossibility of explaining them. They write what
they never saw, but what they allow their imaginative powers to
write, One of them wrote of his trip to the land of the Orient, his
wondrous findings in the caves of the mystics, and all the time he
was supposed to have been travelling and investigating, he was in
the State of New Jersey, perusing books of travel fur his information.
So when these chaps lie, why won't others. I will write again some
some future day at more length on the subject of Hindoo Jugglery.

WEAVER'S PAPER FRAME AND RIBBON TRICK.

The effect is as follows: The performer calls the attention of the
audience to a frame with a piece of white paper in it, and which has
remained suspended on a silk cord running across the stage all the
evening; the frame is then taken down, opened and the paper and
frame given for examination. The silk cord is then lowered until it
reaches the chin, the paper is then replaced in the frame again ; the
conjurer then calls particular attention to the fact that he only takes
hold of the two extreme ends of the frame and hangs it upon the
cord again. The sleeves are then turned up and hands shown empty.
A hole is then made in the paper and the right hand inserted, when

to the astonishment of the audience the conjurer produces yards and

yards of red, white and blue ribbons; again his hand is inserted and
he produces in rapid succession a dozen silk handkerchiefs of various
colors, a beautiful bouquet, an English and American flag, then more
red, white and blue ribbons. The frame is then taken down again
and shown back and front and placed on the seat of a cane backed
chair while he shows he has nothing concealed up his sleeves, he
hangs the frame on the cord again and produces a live pigeon, also
a Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes on the other side of it. The
conjurer then takes one of the flags first produced and rubs it between
his hands when it gradually disappears and in its place is found three
streamers of red, white and blue ribbons, four yards in length.
Explanation. The properties necessary for this trick are as follows: a frame two foot square with a smaller one made to fit inside
<>f it, which is hinged on the back of the other, and also one dozen
handkerchiefs, tw<> silk flags, a packet of a hundred spring flowers
with strings attached to them, and also two rolls of three inch red,
white and blue coils, these are made into as small a packet as possible between the two coils, which are all connected together by wire
which is left about six inches long and at the end of which a loop is
made about i inch in diameter. This is then placed in the left breast
pocket with the loop left protruding across the black waistcoat where
it is not noticeable. Also on the back of a chair which is covered with
black velvet is suspended a bag made out of two flags, one a Union
Jack and the other the Stars and Stripes with a pigeon in it. Now
for the introduction of the said articles into the frame. The frame
has five hooks screwed on the back of it, the center one of which is
turned upside down, so as to catch the loop left across the waistcoat
and thus introduce the articles out of the breast pocket and suspend
them behind the frame so that when the performer introduces his
hand, all he has to do is to produce the articles. When the performer
takes down the frame and places it on the chair to show his hands
empty he introduces the bag and the pigeon behind the frame and
then proceeds as before. For the next part of the trick a double
vanisher is required attached to the hips by a piece of elastic. In
one end of it is placed three pieces of red, white and blue ribbons,
about four yards long. When the performer takes one of the flags
first produced and rubs it between his hands he obtains possession of the vanisher and works the flag into it and takes the ribbons
between his hands and releases the vanisher and throws out the ribbons.
NKII. WEAVER, the Boy Magician, London.
o
Clivette, the juggler, necromancer, silhouettist, was at the Harlem Opera House, week of the 23d.
John J. Whalen the American Wizard, will star the Middle
States this summer under the management of Otto Kempa.
Mr. Edgar Willis, of London, has removed to iof>, High Street.
Til 10 SECRET OUT.
Magic taught in all its branches. Personally or by mail.
Sleight of hand a specialty. Pupils fitted for drawing room or stage.
PROF. BROWNIE, care M . \ I I . \ I \ I \ .

DIE ZAUI5EUWELT.
Illustrated Journal in Gernun language u(

PARLOR MAGIC and MODERN WONDERS.

Published monthly

Subscription price tor 6 months, $i 25, delivered postage prepaid.

Single copies, 25 cents.
C A R L W I L L M A N N , Editor, Neue A B C Strasse, Hamburg. Ger.

HARRY HOUDINI,
.uul I1HSSIH HOUDINI, original introducers of "Metamorphosis,"
The finest and greatest Trunk Mystery the
world has ever seen.
In connection with our challenge Hand
Cuff act.
Permanent address, 221 E. 69th St.,
New York City.

Mahatma.

MANUFACTURERS OF
Conjuring Tricks, Illusions,
Ventriloquial Heads and Figures
Puzzles, Marionettes,
Shadowgraphy,
Chapeaugraphy,
Juggling Goods, etc.

Mentriloquial, Marionette and Punch and Judy Figures,

Mechanical Automato, Hlectrical Apparatus, Stage Illusions and Sleight of Hand Tricks, Puzzles, etc.
N K W H O ( | K , just published, by ELLIS STANYON, entitled "Conjuring with Cards," Price,
I-} |>i>st Tree; or 32 cents.
N K W H O O K . Shadow 'Pantomime, 1-3 post free; or 32 cents.
I & I . W D ' S Wonderful Triple Changing Cards, which is given for examination. 2-9 post
fere; or 75 cents.
I S L A N D ' S Quadruple Tor.i Card, very clever, 2-9, post free, or 75 cents,
1.-4TES T NOVELTYEscape

229 HICH HOLBORN, LONDON, ENGLAND.

KSTAHLISIIKI) 17(!O.

The Chejffst

House in III,- IVorlJ for

BAUTIER'S SPRING FLOWERS,

8.00 per 100, TOST I-'KKE.

BEST SILK FLOWERS,

4..-> per 100, TOST I'liKK.

of Dreyfus from Devil's Islands. Price, yd, post free, or 2_$cts.

List of Latest Novelties, id, post free, or 5 cents. New complete Catalog, post free, 6d. X)r 2octs.

FINEST CONJURING APPARATUS in the WORLD.

Acknowledged by all the leading Magicians and specially recommended
In/ Prof. Ho/funui.

Professor J. BLAND, Magical Palace, 3i:<

U. S. A. Money < >r St.imps not received.

MAGICAL SALOONS,

Remittances must be by Money Order.

MARTINKA

Grand Illustrated Catalogue, 700

Engavings, with all the latest novelties.
Price, 2O cents, Post Free.
Sole Agent for Rotcrberg's Book, ''New Card
Era,"
Magic, by A. Hopkins, on sale.
Remittances must be made by Money Order, obtainable at any Post OITic , U. S. A. Money and
Stamps not accepted.
SOLE AGENTS IN ENGLAND FOK ALL OF ROIT.kllEUCj's HOOKS.

&> C O . , -MANUFACTURERS

IMPORTERS]

FINE MAGICAL APPARATUS,

4i):J SIXTH AVENUE, NEW YORK.

-<fy> Magicians'

Headquarters.

Our fully Illustrated Book Catalogue with 5 0 0 Engravings, will be

Mailed FREE on receipt of 1 5 Cents.
Illustrated Catalogue of Parlor Tricks, free on application.

NEW

PUBLICATIONS

ON MAGIC.

M A G I C . Illusions, etc., by ALBERT A. HOI-KINS, large, handsomely bound volume.

with over 500 high grade Illustrations en 550 pages, containing every Illusion up to date. Sent prepaid for
S2.50. Pamphlet with full list of contents -md sample illustrations sent free on application.
H O U K S

W I T H T H K G H O S T S , by HENRY RIIHH.EY EVANSIllustrated investiga-

tions into the realms of Spiritualism and Thcosophy; 297 pages; bound in cloth. Price, $1.00.
H E K K M A N N , the Magician ; by H. BURI.INC.AMICIllustrated book of his life, and his
secrets; 29S pages; bound in cloth. Price, $t.oo.

Magical Apparatus and Mechanical Effects for Theatres made to order.

Important Notice,
We h.ive succeeded in producing colored

PAPER

RIBBONS

for Hat Trick, Tambourine, etc , of unequaled perfection

which we now offer at such low prices so as to be at the
reach of all. The rollsare wound H A R D the hole in the
center is only 1 inch and colors extremely brilliant, so that
effect of tricks is immensely increased.
5 inch diameter 5 colors, A inch wide per roll, 7 c , doz.~^c.
5 '
"
5 ll
1
"
"
12c , " 1.25.
il
7 1-2
** 7 " 1-2 *'
12c, " 1 25.

To performers ordering in lots of too or more rolls we

quote special rates.

y E8TIMATE8