Sports and pastimes, or, Sport for the city and pastime for the country with a touch of hocus pocus, or leger-demain / fitted for the delight and recreation of youth by J.M. J. M. 1676 Approx. 58 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 25 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-05 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A51802 Wing M48 ESTC R35403 15277035 ocm 15277035 103355 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A51802) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 103355) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1190:15) Sports and pastimes, or, Sport for the city and pastime for the country with a touch of hocus pocus, or leger-demain / fitted for the delight and recreation of youth by J.M. J. M. [6], 40, [2] p. : ill. Printed by H.B. for John Clark ..., London : 1676. "Licensed Feb. the 4th, 1675/6. Roger L'estrange." Illustrated with woodcuts. Reproduction of original in the Huntington Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Magic tricks. Tricks -- Early works to 1800. Amusements -- England. 2004-01 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-01 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-02 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2004-02 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Sports and Pastimes : OR , SPORT for the CITY , AND PASTIME for the COUNTRY ; With a touch of Hocus Pocus , or Leger-demain . Fitted for the delight and recreation of Youth by I. M. Amat . Art. There 's no Hobgoblins here for to affright ye , But innocence and mirth that will delight ye . Licensed Feb. the 4 th . 1675 / 6. Roger L'estrange . LONDON , Printed by H. B. for Iohn Clark , at the Bible and Harp in West-Smithfield . 1676. THE EPISTLE TO THE READER . IT is as customary now a dayes to have a Preface or Epistle to a Book as a Title , and least I should seem singular , or make my self a mark for squintey'd Critticks ; I do tell the Reader , an Epistle to him is the same property that a Link is to a Man walking home late : He hopes by that and the help of good words , if he be examined , to pass without danger ; yet when he comes to the Gates , if he meet with a Proter that●s an Ass , or with a Constable that loves to lay about him with his Staff of Authority more then he needs , then let the Party that stumbles into these pudles of Ignorance , be sure either to be struck down with Barbarism ( which cutteth worse than a Brown-bill ) or to be committed and have the severest censure laid upon him , let him be never so well and so civilly bound up in fair behaviour ; though he be a man even printed in the best Complements of Curtesie , though he give never so many sweet Languages , yea , and have all the light of understanding to lead him home ; yet these Spirits of the Night will hale him away , and cast him into darkness . In the self same scurvy manner does the world handle poor Books : When a Reader is intreated to be Curteous , he grows uncivil ; if you sue to his Worship , and give him the stile of Candido Lectori , then he 's proud and cryes mew ; If you write me rily , he calls you Bouffon ; seriously , he swears such stuff can't be yours : But the best is , that as in Spain , you shall have Fellows for a small piece of Silver take the Strapadoe , to endure which torture another man could not be hired with a great Sum ; so they that have once or twice layn upon the rack of publick Censure , of all other Deaths do least fear that of the Press ; of that wing I hold my self one , Envy has oft hit me , but can't hurt me ; barking Curs seldom bite . The design of this was for the recreation of Youth , especially School-boys , whose wits are generally sharpned on such Whetstones ; for number abundant more might have been added , but since there are many things of this nature , I have omitted for the major part those I knew were in Print before ; of such you may be furnished out of English Parnassus , Hocus Pocus Iunior , &c. As these take , I shall furnish you with more and new varieties . Vale. The Prologue . SOme Hocus Pocusses , no doubt , may quible , And say , what meant this Fellow thus to scrible , And thus our quality for to invade ? If he runs on so , he will spoil our Trade : When it gets in the City 'mongst the Boyes , Then down goes all our Hocus Pocus toyes . Nay , if it comes amongst the Country Swains , They 'l find our Cheats and kick us for our pains : The Egg-box , Melting-box , the Globes and Balls , Must have no entertainment in their Halls . Then let 's go travail in some other Land , And there we 'l shew our nimble slight of hand ; Where this Book goes no room 's for us to stand . In answer then I say , this is one bit , Until the whole Ioynt be drawn off the Spit : This will not in the least , hurt Sons of Art , But Bunglers only they must feel the smart , Avant therefore , begone , I bid Adew T'those that know nothing , yet pretend to shew . SPORTS AND PASTIMES . To seem to turn Water into Wine . TAke four Beer bowl glasses , rub one in the inside with a piece of Allum ; let the second have a drop of Vinegar in it , the third empty , and the fourth as much clean water in it as your mouth will contain : Have ready in your mouth a clean rag with ground Brasil tied close in it , that the bulk may be no bigger then a small Nut , which must lye betwixt your hind teeth and your cheek ; then take of the Water out of the glass into your mouth , and return it into the glass that hath the drop of Vinegar in it , which will cause it to have the perfect colour of Sack ; then turn it in your mouth again , and chew your bag of Brasil twixt your teeth , and spout the liquor into the empty glass , and it will have the perfect colour and smell of Clarret ; returning the Brazil into its former place , take the liquor into your mouth again , and presently spout it into the glass you rub'd with Allum , and it will have the perfect colour of Mulberry Wine ; and so in many other wayes , which for brevity I omit . To seem to conveigh a Card out of a Nut. HAve a large Hasel-nut , prepared thus : Bore a small hole at the heel of the Nut , then pick out the Kernel with a needle , fill the Nut with Ink , and stop the hole up artificially : Have this in your Pocket in readiness when you intend to be merry ; then amongst other Tricks shewing , or when you are at Cards , say , I 'll shew you such a Trick you never saw in your lives : Take a Card out of the Pack and pill off the inside ; then shewing them the Card that stand by , say , Take notice what it is , I will roul this up , and by the Art of Leger de Mane , conveigh it into a Nut , then cunningly disposing of the roul'd up Card ; pull the Nut out of your Pocket , and say , Crack that Nut and then you shall find it : Which being done the Ink runs in his mouth , and by his sputtering causes laughter to the Beholders . How to catch Mag-pyes or Crows . TAke Oculus India Berries a penny worth ( you may have them at any Apothecaries ) dry them and beat them to powder , then take an ounce of Flower and Brandy , and make it into Batter , as thick as the good Wives makes their Puddings ; then take the guts of a Duck , Hen , or any Poultrey , empty them and put in this Batter , type up the ends , and fling them into the Trees that Mag-pyes or Croes use ; and when they come to feed on them ( as that they will soon do ) you shall have sport enough , for they will not be able to fly , but tumble on the ground like a drunken Man , that you may take them with your hands . How to catch Eels . TAke a Calf or Sheeps liver with the blood of it , then shred it small and mix it with the blood , get a small Bottle of the newest Hay you can , and put the Liver into the Hay , the major part in the middle of it , then bind up the Hay fast with Hay-bands , and put it into a place where you know there is Eels , sink it under water with stones ; put it into the water in the Evening , and rise early in the Morning , going saftly to the place , when on a sudden pull up your Hay by the rope , and you shall have your desire . I have taken sixty-four Eels at once by this means , notwithstanding many dropt into the water . To make sport with an Egg. IF you are drinking in Company , or otherwise that you are disposed to make sport , have ready a Penny-worth of Quicksilver in a quill , sealed fast at both ends with good hard Wax , then cause an Egg to be hard boyled or roasted , and take a small bit of the shell of the narrow end , then thrust in your quill of Quicksilver , and lay the Egg on the ground , you shall have sport enough , for it will never leave tumbling about so long as there is any hear in it . Probatum est . To fetch a Shilling out of a Handkerchief . TO do this you must have a Ring of wyer , such a one as you generally hang your Keys upon , but less in the rotundity , then a take a handkerchief and put therein a Shilling ; twisting the handkerchief round , the form of the Shilling will appear : Then say , that you may be certain it is here , I 'll shew it you once more ; and taking out the Shilling convey the round wyer into the handkerchief , which being twisted will seem to be your Shilling : the better to deceive , you may rap the edge of wyer wth your small stick , then open the wyer and force one end through , and you may easily wyer-draw it out ; then produce the Shilling which you have in the palm of your hand , saying , look you here is the Shilling , you held the handkerchief very fast : In the mean time ask , Who gave me this Shilling ? He who you had it off , will soon answer , I. Then thank him for it , saying , It 's more then I had gave me this two dayes . To cause the Beer you drink seem to be rung out the handle of a Knife . TO do this you must have a small piece of Spunge with drink put in it privately , then unseen place this behind your right ear ; but let not the Spunge be to big nor to full of liquor , least you be discovered ; then taking a Knife stick it with the handle upward in a Table or Stool , ( but observe when you go about these Sports , to place your Company before you ) then bid them look , saying there you see is nothing of wet , either on the handle or upon the Table ; so stretching your empty hand , and taking up the knife by the handle , bend your hand towards your ear darting the point ; saying , Now some Body cross my arm ; and speaking some powerful words , as Iubio sceleriter heigh berry bisco , then have you a fair opportunity to take the Spunge into your hand from behind your ear , and stretching forth your hand squeeze it gently , and after a little harder , which makes it run the faster to the amazement of the Company ; saying , thus could I do till I drowned you all ; so sprinkle a little in their faces , which will cause them to shut their eyes whilest you convey away the Spunge . To deceive one with three seeming pieces of Tobacco pipe . ROul up a piece of white Paper as hard as are your Lottery Tickets , till it is as thick as a Tobacco pipe , then fasten the outward edge with a little startch or past , having so done cut the ends even ; have this in your hand , break two pieces in the sight of the Company , snake the three together in your Hat , then cast them upon the Table ; saying , How many pieces of Pipe is there under the Hat ? Every one will be apt to say , three ; lift up the Hat the better to urge them , clapping it down presently : Say , Now I 'll hold you a wager , there is but two pieces of Pipe under the Hat ; which when laid , take up the Hat , and their folly will soon be discerned , by your cutting the Paper with your Knife . To win a Wager at Running . LAy your wager thus , he that comes last of you two to the Gate , Wall , or Stile you run to , shall lose the wager ; which will soon be granted giving him odds enough , as such a distance before you , then start and run as fast as you can , letting him you run with be before you , when you see him at the mark , run you a clear contrary way ; and when you come to your Company demand your wager , which will soon be granted , when they discover your lay , that not he which came first to the place should win , but he which was last should lose ; you came not at it at all , then he must needs confess his folly in the loss of the wager . To know what is Cross or Pile by the ringing . THis must be done by Confederacy as thus , when the Money is filipt up and you blind-folded , then your Confederate that stands by , if it be Cross says , What is 't ? If it be Pile , What is it ? And your deceit is not taken notice of . To wrap a wag on the knuckles . TAke a Knife in your right hand by the point , then setting the point to a vein in the wrist of your left hand ; saying to one that stands by you , Pray put a piece of Tobacco Pipe betwixt my fingers , and you shall see how the blood will spring out of this vein ; which he will be ready to do to see the conclusion , then give him a smart blow with the handle of the Knife , when he is p●a●ing the Pipe betwixt your fingers ; telling him your work is done . To make one laugh till the tears stand in his eyes . TAke three pieces of Tobacco-pipes , and put them betwixt your four fingers , one betwixt each finger , then drop them one by one ; saying , Now let me see which of you all can do this trick : The verriest Ape will presently be imitating ; then pretending to place them even , gripe his fingers fast together , and you shall have your desire ; which will cause no small laughter to the Company . To fox Fish. TAke Oculus India Berries , two Penny-worth ( you may have them at the Apothecaries ) dry them and beat them to Powder , then take an ounce of Wheat flower , the white of an Egg , and as much Aqua vita ( or if you cannot have it , Brandy may do ) as will make it into a Paste ; then throw it in small Pellets into a Pond or standing Water , where there is fish , and in a quarter of an hour you shall have sport enough ; they will float above water in such manner , as you may take them up with your hands , such as Roach , Tench , Dace , Carp , &c. Some say this poysons them , and are afraid to eat Fish so taken ; but it 's contrary , for they will come to themselves in a little time , if the water be not too much mudded ; this may be used in Ponds that have schrubs or sedges , where the Fish cannot well be taken any other way . But I caution all , that they practice not this without licence from the Owners , least the Whipping-post or Pillory be their reward . A Philosophical Experiment . TAke a Beer bowl glass put it half full of water , then take a Basen or wooden Bowl , and put the water out of the glass into it , set fire of a piece of white Paper , throw it into the water that is in the Bowl or Basen , and suddenly while the flame is in cover it with the glass , you shall see the water suckt out of the Basen , and hang in the glass . To cure the Tooth-ach . THis must be done by Confederacy , I have won many a Pinte of Wine by it ; you must pretend you are grievously troubled with the Tooth-ach , making wry faces and pretending a great deal of pain . Then sayes your Confederate , I will undertake to cure you in a quarter of an hour , it is plain but a very safe and easie way ; he then takes a thimble full of salt , puts it in a piece of white Paper , twists it up ; Then sayes , Hold this to your cheek on that fide your pain lyes , and it will soon be gone . You shaking your head at him , ask him , If he can find none to sport with , but you that are not disposed ? He then presses you to try his Receipt ; which with seeming unwillingness take , and hold it to the cheek a small time . Then he will ask you , What do you feel any ease ? You spitting much , say , Yes , truely I find it much abated . Then he will say to perfect it , Lay down your Paper upon the Table , step into the yard and wash your mouth with two Spoonfuls of cold water . Now sayes he to the Company ( in your absence ) You may see what conceit does , I 'll take and throw out the Salt ( which he does in their sight ) and puts the like quantity of Ashes in the Paper , laying it twisted as before in its place ; then coming in take up the Paper again , holding it as you did before : The Company will be laughing and fleering at ( as they think ) your ignorance ; then privately conveigh the Ashes away with the Paper , and another Paper of Salt like the former ( as you must have in readiness before ) hold to your cheek . Your Confederate asking you , Well what think you now ? Why indeed much alteration , would one have thought that so simple a thing as a little Salt should work so great an alteration ? Then will one or th' other in the Company say , Why do you think you have Salt in the Paper ? you say , Yes , I saw it took out the Box. He layes you a wager presently that it is not Salt ; when by opening the Paper his folly is discovered , with no small sport to the Company . To bring two pieces together . TAke a piece of Money in your right hand , and another in your left , then stretching them both asunder ; say , Would it not be a pretty Trick , to see me bring these two pieces together my hands thus asunder ? Which is done by laying that upon a Stool or Table out of your left hand , and turning your self round take it up with your right . To win a Wager at Feeling . MAke a mark with choak at the further end of a Room , about the bigness of a half Crown ; then say , I 'll hold a wager , no one molesting me , I will be blindfold as close as you will , and yet hit that choak with my finger , the first time my finger touches the Wall : Which every one , for the imagining difficulty , will be apt to take you up ; when your wager is laid , take a Nail , tye a long string to it , that will reach to the place where you are to stand , then drive the Nail in the middle of the mark made in the Wall , and so by the guide of your string you perfect your task . An easie way to take Cunnies in abundance . GO into the Woods , Lanes , or Fields where Cunnies are , then put out a couple of small Land-spannels , chace them into their Burroughs ; when you have so done , stop them with brakes or fern , or what else you can get , leave two or three holes open , so many as you can well manage with Hayes , Nets , and Men , then make a fire of combustible stuff , as brakes or litter , at the mouth of one of the Burroughs , so as the wind may drive the smoak in , or for want of these you may it do with Brim-stone in a pot well lighted , and put it into the hole , stopping the mouth of the hole ; and you shall presently have sport enough , for they will not endure the smoak in the ground , but will boult out so long as there is one in the ground . I have seen , when I was a Boy , a Horse-load taken at a time in this manner , in Combe-wood in Warwickshire . Although this be a speedy way of taking , and for clearing Land in which sometimes they do much mischief , yet I caution all that are not Owners , or that have no licence , to beware of using this way of taking Cunnies , least they be taken for Knaves . To take wild Ducks in abundance . TAke the lights of a Sheep or Calf , cut them in small pieces as big as Frogs or the like , then take Jack hooks well tafted to tough wiers , tye three or four of these to a stick , strong enough to hold your Game , and do this with as many hooks as you have , fasten or tye the sticks a certain distance one from another , with strong pack-thred , then throw them in a Pond or River where wild Ducks use ; do this in the Evening , for that is their general feeding time , then come early the next Morning with a good Spaniel , if you have him , to fetch them out ; or if not , you may fasten a cord to your pack-threds first , and so pull them to you . But when you use this , be sure you carry Company enough with you , or carry them home undeserned , least you find sawce to yoru Ducks . To make sport with a Maid-Servant . IF the Maid locks up the Victual or Cellar-dore , as there is too many do , contrary to the wills of their Masters and Mistresses , for a speedy revenge use this Receipts ; take Ants eggs the quantity of a small Nut-shell full , then dry them , beat them to Powder , and conveigh them into her broath or drink ; in half an hour you shall have sport enough , for she will fart without measure , endeavouring to hide her self , but cause all Chamber dores to be lock'd before hand , then follow her where she goes , and ask her , If she is not ashamed to fart so ? You need not fear her disobliging you again , for she will quickly smell the plot . Or thus : Observe when the Cock is treading the Hen , then nimbly snatch a feather out of his Tail , put this privately into the Broom , and when she goes to sweep the House , she cannot leave farting so long as the Broom is in her hand . To make liquor boil out of a Pot. VVHen you see a Brass or Iron Pot with boyling Liquor over a fire , throw but a piece of Tobacco pipe into it , and it will force all the Liquor to come out : But have a care that no Children be in the way , that are no able to shift for themselves . To keep an Host from froathing his Pots . IF you observe your Host to froath much , take in the Summer time the skin of a red Herring , and rub over the inside of the Pot ; if in Winter he uses you so , when he sets the drink on the fire , throw a copper Farthing into it , and I 'll warrant you he froaths not that Pot in a good while , for it melts a hole through the bottom , and all his drink runs into the fire . To hatch Chickens without a Hen. TAke Hen dung a good quantity , dry it extraordinary well upon the Tiles of the House in a Sun-shiny day , then beat it to Powder , get a pound of Hens feathers and mix with this dung , take new laid Eggs , and put them into a large wooden Bowl , in the midst of the feathers and Powder of Hens dung ; then , if your conveniency will allow , put the Bowl into an Oven , as many Houses have Ovens out of use , keep a small breathing fire in it , either with small Coal dust , or Char-coal , for so I did it , stop up the Oven with the stoper only , in three Weeks time you shall have Chickens ; watch them that you may help them to chick : If you intend for Cocks , chuse long Eggs , and hold them betwixt your self and the Candle , to see if they have the Cocks tread in them , otherwise they will not come to perfection . This is held the best way for the hatching of Game Cocks . Probatum est . To cause it to freeze by the Fire side . PUt or splash some water upon a Stool by the fire side , set the Stool never so near the fire , it will not hinder the freezing ; then take a pewter Pot or Basen , put therein a handful of Snow , and a handful of Salt , stir these together till they be dissolved , which will soon be , then look and you shall see a thick Ice upon the Stool , take the Bason up by the brims , and it will take the Stool up with it . To win a Wager of a Wag. LAy with him , if he will , that you place a Candle in the Room that you and all them in the Room may see it , at the time where he cannot ; which is done by setting the Candle on his head . Another to take a string off a Pipe. TAke a long Tobacco Pipe , then put it into ones hand whom you intend to trick , put a piece of pack-thred both ends tied fast over the Pipe ; bid him hold one end fast in one hand , and the other end fast in the other hand ; then say , I will take this string off this Pipe , without breaking the Pipe , loosing your hands , or breaking or cutting the string , which will seem strange ; so speaking to the Company , Let me see any of you all do this : Which they not knowing how to do , will be very desirous to see you do it ; then taking the pack-thred and slip it over his hand upon his arm , the Trick is done , which will make laughter , that so easie a thing could not be discovered . To make sport in Company . WHen you are shewing Tricks , and have done so many as you can well , then say , To conclude I will shew you the best and cleaverest Trick that ever I did in my life ; and that is , I will set a Pot full of Water at one end of the Table , and make it move of it self to the other end , without the help of thred , or any thing else , to draw it : But beforehand have the Crown of your Hat smutted with some blacking , such as will be made by holding a Candle under the bottom of a tin Candle-stick . Saying , This being done by Black Art , we must every one change Hats for the present , and every one do as I do , and say as I say : Then rubbing the Crown of your Hat about your face , they all fall a rubbing likewise ; cry out , Iubeo sceleriter hi-pass , or any such conjuring stuff : But they seeing the Pot not move , will fall a laughing ; the Fellow that is blackt not mistrusting they laugh at him , will be kept in his ignorance , to your greate Pastime . To seem to strike three choaks through a Table . TAke a piece of choak , and choak the Nails of three of your fingers well on your left hand unseen , then bid them look under the Table to see nothing is there , choak three spots upon the Table , then clapping your left hand under the Table , clunching it , the choaks will come of your Nails into the palm of your hand , and striking the palm of your right hand upon the choaks rubs them out ; say , Now see I have struck them through the Table , when drawing forth the left hand , it seems so done by the choaks they see there . To convey a two Pence away . HAve a small bit of soft Wax stuck on the Nail of your middle finger , lay a two Pence in the palm of your hand , let it lye in sight , then clunch your hand and it will stick to the Wax ; saying , Presto 't is gone , opening hand and fingers the deceit is not discovered . To play the wag with a dairy Maid . IF you conveigh a bit of Soap no bigger then a Nut into the Churn , she may Churn till her eyes are out , and never make Butter . To make sport with Bells . TAke three small Bells such as Children have at their Corrals , one of the three be planted or hung in your sleeve , the other two which are in sight to the Company , bid them view them , and put one in one hand , and one in the other hand , then put the second into the left hand , and say , Now you think they are both in one hand ; which if they have seen your palm before , will imagine you have it still in your right hand , and shaking the right hand the Bell will jingle ; then say , Which hand will you have them both in ? They will be apt to say , the left , as thinking they are in the right , then opening both hands you leave them in wonder . To cause Worms or Maggots seem on Meat . TAke Cat-guts and cut them to a length small and great , then strew them upon Meat hot as it comes out of the Pot. Some will eat none ; others will deride the Maid that drest it : But the Meat is not at all prejudiced by it . To write that it cannot be read , but by them that understand it beforehand . TAke the juice of an Onion or Lemmon , when you have a mind to write any private business to your Friend , that you would not have discovered , then take a clean Pen and dipping it in the juice as in Inck , write your mind and seal it up ; when it comes to your Friend , it is but holding it to the fire , and it may be read plainly . To cut the Blowing Book . MAke a Book seven inches long , and about five inches broad , and let there be forty-nine leaves , that is seven times seven contained therein , so as you may cut upon the edge of each leaf six notches , each notch in depth a quarter of an inch , with a googe made for that purpose , and let them be one inch distant , paint every thirteenth and fourteenth Page . , which is the end of every sixth leaf , and beginning of every seventh , with like colour or picture ; cut off with a pair of sheers every notch of the first leave , leaving only one inch of Paper , which will remain half a quarter of an inch above that leaf , leave an other like inch in the second part of the second leaf , clipping away one inch of Paper in the highest place above it , and all the notches below the same , and so orderly to the third , fourth , &c. so as there shall rest upon each leaf one only nick of Paper above the rest , one high uncut inch of Paper must answer to the first , directly in every seventh leaf of the Book ; so as when you have cut the first seven leaves in such manner as I have described , you are to begin the self same order at the eighth leaf , descending in like manner to the cutting other seven leaves to twenty-one , until you are past through every leaf , all the thickness of your Book . Now you shall understand that after the first seven leaves every 7 th . leaf in the Book is to be cut ; you must observe that at each bum-leaf or high inch of Paper seven leaves distant , opposite directly and lineally one against the other , through the thickness of the Book , the same Page with the Page precedent to be painted with the like Colour or Picture , and so must you pass through the Book with seven sorts of Colours or Pictures ; so as when you shall rest you upon any of these high inches , and open the Book you shall see in each one colour or Picture through the Book , in another row another Picture . To make the matter more plain unto you , for this Trick is very artificial , let this be the description thereof : Hold the Book in your left hand , and between your fore-finger and thumb of your right hand ; slip over the Book in what notch you list , and your thumb shall alwayes rest at the seventh leaf ; namely at the high inch of Paper , from which your Book is strained , it will fall or slip to the next ; which when you hold fast and open the Book , the Beholders seeing each leaf to have one colour or picture , in such varieties all passing continually and directly through the whole Book , will suppose that with words you can discolour the leaves at your pleasure . To ingrave or write any thing upon the Blade of a Knife . MElt Bees-wax , and with a rag or feather dipt in it , stroak the blade of the Knife , the whilst it is as thick of the wax as is the blade , then take a pin or needle , and write what Verse , or draw what Flowers you please thereon ; but observe , that in so doing you write hard , that the point of the Pin may touch the blade of the Knife ; the Wax being thus race't , and the desired part of the blade bare , take a Pencil of hair , and dip it in Aqua fortis ; ( which may be had at the Apothecaries ) then with it wipe over the blade of the Knife , and it will lodge in the vacancies or strokes , you made with your Pin , place the Knife upon a Table , so as it may lye level , and let it remain there ten or twelve hours ; then pare off the Bees-wax , and your intent will be accomplished : For want of Aqua fortis use Spirit of Vitriol . The Egg-Box IS lookt upon to be as good a Trick , and as cunning a slight as any that is done , by those that know not the manner of doing of it : But because it cannot be so well express'd in words , I have put these Figures underneath to explain it . A. the Egg-box , made in the fashion of two Bee-hives , put one upon the other . B. the upper-shell . C. the inner-shell , covered over artificially with the shell of an Egg. D. the lower part of the Box. Putting B , which is the outward shell , upon C. and both upon D. as it stands , makes the Box perfect . To do this Trick call for an Egg ; then bid all the Standers by look on it , and see that it is a real Egg , setting your Box on the Table , upon the foot D , take off the upper-part B , C. with your fore-finger and thumb then placing the Egg in the Box ; say , You see here it is fairly in : And uncovering it again , say , Likewise you shall see me here take it fairly out ; putting it into your Pocket in their sight : Open your Box again , saying , You see here is nothing ; close your hand about the middle of the Box , and take off B , by the bottom , you say , There is the Egg again ; which do so appear to the Spectators to be : Clapping that in again , and taking the lip of C , in your fore-finger and thumb , say , There 't is gone again . I saw one shew this , and the Globes , and the Melting-box so well , that the ignorance of the People cried out , he was a Witch ; and had not he prostituted his Implements to their view , that so they might discover his slight , he had been thrown out of a Window two Stories high . The Melting-Box IS another artificial slight , which is shewn in these following Figures , made in the fashion of a screw , that so the lips may hang without discovery . F , the out-part of the Box. G , the first in-part . H , the second in-part . I , a round Case made of Plush or Leather , with a Button upon the top , and wide enough to slip on and off . Have in the bottom of the Box F , a small quantity of kill'd Quicksilver , which may be done with the shavings of Pewter , or fasting spittle ; In the second part , which is H , let there be six single Pens , put this into the first or out-most part , then put G , into H , and the Box is perfect . When you go to shew this Trick , desire any in the Company to lend you six Pens , and you will return it safe again : But requesting withal that none will meddle with any thing they see , unless you desire them , least they prejudice you and themselves ; then take the Cap off the Box , and bid any one see it , and feel it , that there may be no mistrust ; so likewise take the Box entire , holding your fore-finger at the bottom , and your thumb on the upper-part , turning it upside down , say , You see here is nothing ; then putting in the Six-pence , put the Cap over the Box again , as the Box stands covered upon the Table , put your hand under the Table , using some Canting words ; then take off the Cap with your fore-finger and thumb , so as you pinch the inner-most Boxes with it , and set it gently upon the Table , then put the kill'd Quicksilver out of the lower part into your hand , turning the Box with the bottom upward , and stirring it about with your finger , say , Here you see it melted , now I will put it in again , and turn it into six single Pence ; suddenly take the Cap as you took it off , returning it again , bid them blow on it , then take off the Cap as you did before , only pinch the upper-most lip in it , and setting it upon the Table , hold the Box at top and bottom with your fore-finger and thumb ; then put the six single Pencel , after they are view'd and seen to be so , in again , and return the Cap as before ; saying , Blow once more , if you intend to have your Six-pence in the same forme you gave it me ; then taking the Cap off by the button , holding the Box as before , put out the Six-pence , and return the Box into your Pocket . This is a very good slight , if well performed , which is done by often use . The Globe IS a Trick not inferiour to the best that is shewn with Boxes ; It is a Box made in four pieces , and a Ball so big as is imagined to be contained therein : The Ball serves in the same nature as the Egg does in the Egg-box , only to deceive the hand and eye of the Spectators ; this Ball being made of Wood or Ivory , is thrown out of the Box upon the Table for every one , to see that it is substantial ; then putting the Ball into the Box , and letting them that stand by blow on the Box , you take off the upper-shell with your fore finger and thumb , there appears another and of another colour , as red , blew , yellow , or any variety of colours upon each Ball , that is so imagined to be , which indeed is no more then the shell of Wood ingeniously turned and fitted for the Box ; as you may see in these following Figures . The Egg-Box , Melting-box , Globes , Balls , the wooden Bell , and many other things in this nature , are made and sold by Mr. Rob. Spooner , Ivory-turner , at the Achorn in the Long-walk , between Christ Church and the Lume-Hospital . To seem to cut a hole in a Cloak , Scarf , or Handkerchief , and with words to make it whole again . TO do this you must have a piece of the Stuff ready in your hand , the sample of that you intend to cut ; then amongst other tricks shewn by you , clap your hand full upon the place you intend for your mark , then drawing hollowly the false piece , cause it to be cut off , and griping your hand shew the hole from whence the piece came , then nimbly clapping your other hand upon the place , and slipping the piece away , which is in your hand , which is done by pretending to feel in your Pocket for a needle , to sow it up again ; but drawing out your hand from your Pocket , say , I have no needle , but I have a charm that will do as well ; so uttering some Canting words , bid them blow upon it ; and pulling your hand from the place , does not a little satisfie the curiosity of the Persons , which thought they had been damnified . How to pinch a Cloak , that it shall not be discovered in a twelve Month. VVHen you are to go to a Feast or Wey-goose , take a pound of Confidence , and two pound of Impudence , with a quantity of Oyl of Theft , mix these well together , then anoint your face and hands therewith ; You having opportunity at Dinner-time to perceive where the Cloaks are laid , to fix upon one of the best and newest : So soon as you have fill'd your Paunch , rise from the Table , pretending business , and confidently claping it on , march impudently away with it . This Charm will last for a twelve Moneth ; but at the end if your Master Satan should betray you , and cause you to be brought before Justice , deny it stifly ; and if that won't do , plead a mistake , and say , If this is Adam's ? mine was as good that I left in the place , although you brought in none : A secure way to defend a burn in the hand . Probatum est , Robin Hog . To cause a Knife leap out of a Pot. VVHen you are in Company and intend mirth , have a Pot , full Pot fashion , standing upon a shelf or Mantle-tree , then take a piece of Whale-bone about three inches long , let it be pretty stiff , it will spring the better , take also a new stiff Card , and fold it down the middle longwise , cut a hole through both folds at each end , half an inch or more from the ends , put one end of the Whale-bone in at one end the Card , bend it like a bow , then put the other end of the Whale-bone into the other end of the Card , set this in the Pot with two inches or more deep of water ; then place the handle of your Knife upon the upper-most part of the Whale-bone , with the point upwards : Using these words or the like : Come here to your Master . Will you come , or will you not ? Then you won't come ? Will you come , or shall I fetch you ? By which time the Card will be soaked with the water , and the Whale-bone springing bursts the Card , and tosses out the Knife , as you may see in these following Figures . Being no small wonder to the Beholders . T , The Knife as it is to be set in the Pot. V , The Whale-bone bent , and put into the Card , with the Knife set upon it , by the help of a small bit of soft Wax to stop its slipping off . To take three Button moulds off two strings . Take a piece of round pack-thred a yard long , cut it in the middle , double one of the pieces , slip a Button mould over that double , then double the other , put the end of the double into the end of the other about half an inch , then double it back and slip the Button mould over it , and it will keep it fast , then slip the second Button mould over one end of the double pack-thred , and the third over the other end , so that the first is in the middle , and by its thickness keeps the noose of the string undiscovered , put two of the ends int● one Man's hand , and the other two ends into anothers ; then taking one end from one , and another from the other ; say , To make them yet faster here I tye them , and giving each end into his hand again , put your hand over the Button moulds , and bid them be sure to hold fast , give them a small riggle , and it will remove the middle-most , and the three will come all off : As is shewn in these following Figures . D , the first Mould slipt upon the string dubbled . E , the second string put through the first . F , the bent of the second string , in the f●●m of a loop . G , the other two Moulds put on one at 〈◊〉 end of the string . H , the three closed and tied on . The two Parties that hold the Cords in the●ir hands , having twisted both the ends upon their fing●●● ▪ clap you you your left-hand over the Moulds , and with the fore-finger and thumb of your right hand move the middlemost out of his place , and the noose opens whereby they all come off , and both strings whole . To cut a Glass with a piece of match-cord . YOu must have a piece of well dried match-cord , light it that it may have a good coal , then take a Beer bowl glass , and hold the march to the edge of the glass , have your finger ready wet , and when the glass is very hot clap your finger to the hot place , and it will suddenly crack about a quarter of an inch downward : then keep the coal of the match the like distance from the end of the crack , and as it follows so move your hand ; and cut it screw fashion , otherwise it will not hold together , till you have cut it to the bottom , or like waves : When you have done it , and that it is cold ( as that it will soon be ) take it by the foot and turn it downward , it will stretch so that you may put your finger betwixt each cut , then turn it up again , you may drink a glass of Beer in it and not spill a drop . This I learnt of an ingenious German . The Art of using the Mosaical Rod , to find out hidden Treasure . THe Miracles of this Branch are worthy of consideration , and the thing found by the great Sympathy there is betwixt this and the precious Metals : For when it is gathered with the Ceremonies and Observations requisite , that is to say with cleanliness ; and gathered upon a certain day of the Summer Solstice , and a sprout of one years growth , it must be chosen forked like an V , or in the form of a Y , a clean Hasel and Red ▪ the best time is a little before Sun-rise , and if Mercury is well dignified , you may gather them upon any Friday . For when the Sun enters Cancer , the Woods and Plants in our Climate have more force then in other seasons ▪ When you make use of it , hang at the single end a piece of what Metal you will , and let it be made fast at the end of a little Cord , take the two ends of the Fork in your hands , as is shewn in the foregoing Figure , and hold it stedfast towards the Sky , and the other end towards the Earth : And in this manner , when you are in a place to find something that is hidden , be it Gold , Silver , or other Metal : If that which is in the earth be more noble then that on the Wand , that on the wand will bend towards its Superiour , as acknowledging inferiority . But when you begin to play it , say with devotion the charge ; but this happens most likely to him , that hath in his hand the form of an V , appartaining to Virgo , or G , in the hand , near the Sun. To draw an Egg throw a Ring . BOil an Egg hard , then put it in white Wine Vinegar , and let it lye three dayes and three nights , only shifting your Vinegar every twelve hours ; and you may rowl it like soft Wax , and draw it through a Ring , or put it into a Viol. To put Pease into your Eye , and pull them out at your pleasure . THis seems to be a very difficult thing to those that behold you ; put six or seven Pease into the lower Eye-lid , and thrust them out again at your pleasure : But it is so facile that any one may do it , observing that the Pease are hard and smooth ; for there is nothing can be prejudiced , either in the Sight or Eye-string by so doing . An excellent Receipt , to cause a piece of Harts-horn grow into a large pair of Harts-horns . TAke a piece of Harts-horn , saw'd off or otherwise , then take Sperma Caeta half an ounce , dissolve it into Oyl with two ounces of strong Aqua vitae , put in your Harts-horn , let it steep two or three dayes ; when you have so done , have a large Glass of a Gallon or more , according to the largeness you intend your Horns should be : This Glass must be fill'd with half Water , half Urine ; when the Harts-horn has lain its time in steep , in the first preparation , take it out and put it into this large Glass ; when it is grown so large as the Glass can well contain , break the Glass off carefully , and you shall have the perfect form of a pair of Harts-horns : It is very hard and very brittle ; but for an artificial conclusion , 't is one of the best I ever saw . Another that comes not behind any in rarity . VVHich is a preparation made by Art as followeth : Saltpeeter one ounce , Crema Tarter one ounce , the best Sulphut half an ounce , pound them into Powder dividually , then mix them together , and having the Powder in a Paper about you , conveigh a grain of it into a Pipe of Tobacco , and when the fire takes it , it will give the report of a Musquet , but not break the Pipe : Or you may lay as much as will lye upon your Nail in a place , on certain small pieces of Paper , and setting fire to the Papers there will be the report of so many great Guns , but do no harm at all . To see to write a Letter in the darkest Night , that is without the help of Fire or Candle . TAke half a Pint of Gloe-worms , four hand-fulls of Iron-wort , two quarts , of Fountain water , distill'd together in a Glass-still to the Consumption of a quart ; then put it in a Christal glass , and seal it up close , it will hold its virtue seven years , and will cast such a lustre that you may see by it to write a Letter , or many other uses the ingenious may put it to . To make a preparation that , being anointed therewith , you may walk over a Bar of red hot Iron , and not be burnt : Hold fire in your mouth , and suffer no harm , although the fire therein be blown with Bellows : Take red hot Heaters out of the fire ; or wash your hands in molten Lead , and not be burnt . TAke half an ounce of Camphire , dissolve it in two ounces of Aqua vita , add to it one ounce of Quick-silver , one ounce of liquid Storax , which is the droppings of Mirrhe , and hinders the Camphir from taking fire , two ounces of Hematitis , a red Stone to be had at the Drugsters ; and when you buy it , let them bear it to Powder in the great Morter , for it is so very hard that it cannot be done in a small one ; put this to the aforementioned Composition : And when you play your Trick , if it be to walk over a Bar of red hot Iron , rub your feet well therewith , and you shall receive no harm thereby . If to do any thing in that nature with your hands , use them so likewise ; and so for the mouth : But your mouth must be quickly cleansed , otherwise it will cause a sallivation . 'T is a very dangerous thing to be done in the mouth ; and although they that practice it , use all the means they can to prevent danger , yet I ( nor I think any Body else ) never saw any one of these Fire-eators that had a good complexion : The reasons I could give , but 't is known the Sons of Art already ; and the others deserve none . Some have put bole Armoniack into this Receipt , a cold thing and spoils the whole , and have omitted Hematitis and Storax , not understanding that is it the major heat that over-powers the minor ; but they had as good a shit ; and I caution every one to have a care how they use it . 'T is in a Penny Book , the 59 th . Receipt , how to wash your hands in melted Lead , without danger of burning ; but I 'll warrant them burnt that use it . Another to eat Fire . ANoint your tongue with liquid Storax , and you may put a pair of Tongs into the fire , make them red hot , and with the help of this Oyntment you may lick them , until they be cold without danger : Likewise by preparing your mouth with this , you may take Wood-coals out of the fire , dip them into Sulpher powdered , and the fire seems more strange ; but the Sulpher puts out the Coal , and shutting your mouth close puts out the Sulpher ; and so they commonly champ the Coals and swallow them , which that they may do without offending the Body ; but if they were bound to eat nothing else , it would be a very sick Trade . To make a Room seem to be all on Fire . TAke Sal Armoniacum half an Ounce , Camphir one ounce , Aqua vitae two ounces , put them into an Earthen Por , in the fashion of a Chamber-pot , but narrower something upon the top , then set fire to it , and the Room will seem to them that are in it to be all on fire ; nay themselves will flap their hair and Cloaths , thinking they are all on fire , when there is no Body hurt , unless it be with fright . Have a care of shewing this , when any Women with Child are in the Room , for you your self that shew it ( but that you knew to the contrary before ) would be of the same mind . To set Pease or Beans when you sit down to dinner , and you shall have them above ground when you rise from the Table , or in an hours time . TAke half an ounce of the Gumm of Carranna , the like quantity of Oyl of Amber , dissolve them over a gentle fire till they be like a Sirrup ; then put in your Pease or Beans , let them lye twenty-four hours ; then take them and put them into a Bed of hot Mould , as Horse dung or otherwise , and you shall see them a foot above ground in two hours , and blossom'd in twenty-four hours : But you must observe to keep the Mould warm . To make an Egg fly into the Air. TAke an Egg and make a hole on both ends of it , blow out all what is in it , fill it full of Dew , or water wherein Salpeter is dissolved , close it up with sealing Wax , and lay it in the Sun and it will flye . To form a Snake like a Crocodil out of Water . TAke five leaves of Costmary , put them into a small-neckt Glas , into nine spoon-fulls of Pump-water ; let it stand some certain time in the Sun , and there generates a living Snake like a Crocodil , to the admiration of them that behold it . A sheet of Paper called Trouble-wit . TRouble-wit has not its name for nought , and indeed is a very fine invention , by folding a sheet of Paper , as that by Art you may change it into twenty-six several forms or fashions : Take a sheet of fine Paper , fold it down the middle of the sheet long-wayes , when you have so done , turn down the edge of each fold outwards the breadth of a single Penny ; then measure it , as it is so folded , into three equal parts with Compasses , which makes six Divisions in the sheet , let each third part be turned outward , and the other in course will fall right , then pinch it a quarter of an inch deep , in the manner as you pinch a paper Lanthorn , that is in pleats like a ruff : So that when the Paper lyes pinched in its form , it is in the fashion represented by the Figure A : When closed together like the Figure B ; unclose it again and shuffle it with each hand it resembles the shuffling a pack of Cards : Close it and take each corner inward with your fore-finger and thumb , it resembles a Rose for a Ladies shoo , as is seen in the Figure C. Stretch it forth from the same form , and it resembles a cover for an Italian Coach , as is shewn by the letter D. Let go your Fore-finger and thumb at the lower end , and it resembles a Wicket to a Gate , or Parral to a Noble Man's Dore , as is shewn by the Letter E. Close it again , and pinch it at the bottom , spreading it on the top , and it is in the fashion of a skreen Fan , as it is shewn by F. Pinch it half way , and open the top , and it is in the fashion of a Shoomakers cutting Knife , which is shewn by G. Holding of it in that form , and with the thumb of your left hand turn out the next sold , and it is in the form of a curry Comb , as is shewn by the Letter H. For the rest of the Figures I would have had cut , but I am tied to six sheets at present , which will not contain them : But the Ingenious may learn it , by seeing this Trick once or twice done ( since they have the manner of folding the Paper , which is a great help to do it . ) The next fashion is a Butrice , such as Farriers use to pare their Horses heels withal . In the fashion of a Lawyers Desk . In the fashion of a Bridge made of wood , to carry Foot or Horse speedily over a River . In the fashion of a Carriadge for a piece of Ordinance . In the fashion of a dark Lanthorn . In the fashion of a Bow-pot . In the fashion of a Lanthorn with a rose at each end . In the fashion of a Court Custard . In the fashion of a Mince Pye , without any Meat in it . In the fashion of a Cardinal's Cap. In the fashion of a Coster-mongers Cap. In the fashion of a Case for a Looking-glass . In the fashion of a Sugar-dish ; and many more knacks to be plaid with it , which for brevity I omit . FINIS . The TABLE . TO seem to turn Water into Wine . Pag. 1. To seem to conveigh a Card out of a Nut. 2. How to catch Mag-pyes or Croes. ibid. How to catch Eels . 3. To make sport with an Egg. ibid. To fetch a Shilling out of a Handkerchief . 4. To cause the Beer seem to be rung out the handle of a knife . ibid. To deceive one with three seeming pieces of Tobacco-pipe . 5. To win a Wager at Running . 6. To know what is Cross or Pile by the ringing . ibid. 〈◊〉 wrap a wag on the knuckles . ibid. To make one laugh till the tears stand in his eyes . 7. To fox Fish. ibid. A Philosophical Experiment . 8. To cure the Tooth-ach . ibid. To bring two pieces together . 9. To win a wager at Feeling . 10. An easie way to take Cunnies in abundance . ibid. To take wild Ducks in abundance . 11. To make sport with a Maid Servant . 12. To make liquor boil out of a Pot. ibid. To keep an Host from frouthing his Pots . 13. To hatch Chickens without a Hen. ibid. To cause it freeze by the Fire side . 14. To win a wager of a Wag. ibid. Another to take a string off a Pipe. ibid. To make sport in Company . 15. To seem to strike three choaks through a Table . ibid. To convey a two Pence away . 16. To play the wag with a dairy Maid . ibid. To make sport with Bells . ibid. To cause Worms or Maggots seem on Meat . 17. To write that it cannot be read , &c. ibid. To cut the Blowing Book . ibid. To ingrave or write any thing upon the blade of a Knife . 19. The Egg-box . 20. The Melting-box . 21. The Globe-box . 24. To seem to cut a hole in a Cloak , and make it whole again . 26. How to pinch a Cloak , &c. ibid. To cause a Knife to leap out of a Pot. 27. To take three Button-moulds off two strings . 〈◊〉 . To cut a Glass with a match-cord . 30. The urt of using the Mosaical Rod , &c. 31. To draw an Egg through a Ring . 32. To put Pease into your Eye , and pull them out again . 33. To cause a piece of Harts-horn grow in a large pair of Harts-horns . ibid. Another that comes not behind any in rarity . 34. To see to write a Letter in the darkest night . ibid. To make a preparation that , being anointed therewith , you may walk over a Bar of red hot Iron , and not be hurt , &c. 35. Another to eat Fire . 36. To make a Room seem all on Fire . ibid. To set Pease when you sit down to dinner , and you shall have them above ground , when you rise from the Table . 37. To make an Egg to fly into the Air. ibid. To form a Snake like a Crocodil out of water . 38. A sheet of Paper called Trouble-wit . ibid. FINIS .