rent and decorative) are
exposed to our view. The performer appears with rolled up sleeves in
close fitting clothes and by the end of his performance has filled the
stage with several large flags, a bouquet of flowers and, may be, a
beautiful lady, all, possibly produced from a top hat. His performance
is given to the accompaniment of amusing patter and is brightened with
the colour of the articles he produces.

He may be an illusionist pure and simple and does not indulge in
sleight-of-hand at all. In this case the comparison with the Indian
Jadoo-wallah is not a fair one, as the latter has not the means to
purchase the complicated mechanism necessary for up-to-date illusions
as shewn by European magicians.

Whether or no his superior education is the reason, the European
conjuror gains in skill and shows his inventive genius as time goes
on. His effects are studied, and his paraphernalia embraces more and
more varied articles. The disappearance of a Christmas tree with all
its candles lighted is an excellent example to what he has risen. He
takes an interest in his profession or calling and strives to outdo
others in neatness or by inventing an exclusive trick to which his
name can be given and handed down to posterity. This may be the result
of large fees that can be earned at the "Halls" or by private
entertainments by those at the top of the tree. But these fees are
open to a conjuror of any nationality, and I am confident that the
interest the European takes in his hobby has more to do with his
superiority than education and large fees. The ruling Princes of India
are very fond of watching a clever conjuror and can pay enormous fees,
but no Indian conjuror appears to appeal to them. A Western performer
always wants to give his best to his audience and takes a pride in
mystifying them. David Devant, who is one of the greatest living
exponents has quite recently written an article in the Strand
Magazine of his dreams of tricks that he would like to be able to do.
To meet the late Charles Bertram "at home" was a study in itself. To
have seen him playing, as a child would play, with a pack of cards
until he stumbled across a new sleight and watched the enjoyment
written all over his face, was a proof of his deep interest in his
hobby.

Can anyone imagine an Indian conjuror dreaming of a new trick? "Ghee
and khana" (clarified butter and food) form the subject of the
majority of his dreams. When he does play with an