Magic Trick

In most ball tricks performed by magicians,

small wooden balls are used, and they are

generally referred to as miniature billiard

balls. In some tricks, golf balls may be used;

in others, small solid rubber balls will answer

the purpose. Wooden balls are the best for

most tricks, and they are not difficult to obtain They are sold separately in many stores, and

they may also be purchased with ten-cent

miniature bowling outfits. Ping-pong balls

may also be used, but they are somewhat light

for certain purposes.



1. The Appearing Ball

The magician shows the palm of his hand,

absolutely empty. He reaches in the air, an^

catches a wooden ball at his finger tips

 finger tips



A ring must be worn on the second finger

of the right hand. A thread about an inch

long is attached to the ring, and the other end

is wound around a small tack which is in



bedded in the ball. When the hand is held

with the fingers pointing upwards, the ball

hangs out of sight behind the hand. When

the hand is swung upwards and turned slightly

forward, the ball will appear instantly at the

finger tips.

2. The Vanishing Ball

The magician takes a small ball from his

Vest pocket. He squeezes it between his hands

And the ball immediately disappears.

The ball has a tack in it, and to the tack is

Attached a foot or more of black cord elastic,

Which runs through the loops of the trousers,

And is tied at the further end. The ball is

Put in the vest pocket. When the ball is

Exhibited, the magician stands with his left

Side towards the audience, as the elastic runs

Under the coat from the left vest pocket. The

Elastic is stretched when the ball is shown,

And as the hands close over the ball, it is released. Hidden by the left arm, the ball flies

Under the coat, and the hands are shown

Empty

3. The Diminishing Ball

This is a very new trick which requires a

Nickeled metal ball about an inch (or a little

More) in diameter. The magician shows a

Three-inch cardboard tube, just large enough

To receive the ball. The tube is painted black

On the inside. The ball is set in the tube, which is tilted

slightly, and the ball slides through slowly.

As people watch the ball they see it gradually

diminish in size until it is about the size of a

pea. Then the ball is allowed to slide back, and it emerges, its original size The trick is an optical illusion. The black lining of the tube throws a shadow, and makes the ball seem to diminish in size. If he wishes, the magician may have a tiny metal

ball, which he holds between the fingers of his left hand at the bottom of the tube. As soon as the large ball reaches the bottom of the tube, it is caught in the bent fingers of the left hand, which carry it away, and drop the tiny ball on the table, while the right

hand gives the tube for inspection.

4. The Self-Rolling Ball

This is an

exceptionally interesting dinner table trick. A golf ball (or wooden ball) is

laid on the table, and it mysteriously rolls

across the table. While it is in motion any

person may pick it up and examine it.

Method: Under the tablecloth, have a

small ring, with a thread attached.