The Modern Conjurer. By C. Lang Neil. With an Introduction
by Charles Bertram. (C. Arthur Pearson. 6s.)—This is a thorough manual of the conjurer's art. There is an essay on " General Principles of Natural Magic," another on " Manner and Gesture," and instructions as to " Clothes" (the conjurer cannot have too many pockets) ; and then directions, illustrated by photographs, for various tricks, with cards, coins, and a great variety of miscellaneous objects. Mr. Bertram, who is a famous performer, tells two excellent stories, which we will take leave to reproduce. A conjurer undertook to produce a "Welsh Rabbit" out of cheese. Unfortunately the animal turned out to be a kitten. He explained that he had used Cheshire cheese,—hence the unexpected result, a Cheshire cat. Mr. Bertram himself was nonplussed by a too candid confederate. After answering the usual questions : " You are not a confederate ? " &c., in the negative, when asked : "You have never seen me before? " he too truthfully replied : " Oh, yes, I have ; I have helped you before in this trick at Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Tamworth,"—roars of laughter from the audience. We must not forget to mention an excellent bibliography of books on conjuring, &c.
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