his legs draws the silk comparatively taut, though, against a
moderately dark background, it remains wholly invisible. When he first
places the figure on the ground, he does so simply, and the figure
naturally falls. He makes a few sham mesmeric passes over it, but
still it falls. At the third and fourth attempt, however, he places it
so that the little hooks already mentioned just catch the thread, and
the figure is thus kept upright. When the music commences, the
smallest motion, or pretence of keeping time with the feet is enough
to start the sailor in a vigorous hornpipe.

CONJURING WITH COINS

Coin-conjuring has its own peculiar sleights, which it will be
necessary for the student to practice diligently before he can hope to
attain much success in this direction.

The first faculty which the novice must seek to acquire is that of
"palming"--_i.e._, secretly holding an object in the open hand by the
contraction of the palm. To acquire this power, take a half-crown,
florin, or quarter (these being the most convenient in point of size),
and lay it on the palm of the open hand. Now close the hand very
slightly, and if you have placed the coin on the right spot (which a
few trials will quickly indicate), the contraction of the palm around
its edges will hold it securely, and you may move the hand and arm in
any direction without fear of dropping it. You should next accustom
yourself to use the hand and fingers easily and naturally, while still
holding the coin as described. A very little practice will enable
you to do this. You must bear in mind while practicing always to keep
the inside of the palm either downward or toward your own body, as any
reverse movement would expose the concealed coin.