Later Day Tricks
A. Roterberg
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The Color Changing Rose
DURING any trick in which real flowers are used, a pretty effect is created by taking a red rose, which, upon being fanned, gradually changes into a white one, which is presented to a lady.
First Method
Previous to the performance, a white rose is taken and held for a moment over a gas jet or lamp, causing all superfluous moisture on the petals of the flower to evaporate. The performer then takes a quantity of dry chrome red and places it in a small bag made of fine muslin. Holding the bag at some little distance above the rose he taps it repeatedly with the back of a table knife, causing a fine shower of red to descend from the bag and to settle upon the petals of the flower, which now gradually assumes a red color. This done, the flower is placed aside in readiness for the experiment.
The Conjurer exhibits the prepared rose and offering it to a lady, pretends to hear her say that she would prefer a white rose. Seizing a fan he obligingly offers to change the color of the flower in his hand into the one desired by the lady, and begins to fan the rose, whereby the red color becomes dislodged, causing the flower to gradually become white. In order to make sure that no particles of red remain hidden in the crevices of the flower, he accidentally drops it on the floor, the shock causing any remaining particles to become dislodged and to fall off.
Second Method
This trick of pure sleight of hand is especially, Suitable for an opening trick. The performer enters, holding in his left hand a red rose, to the stem of which is fastened an elastic cord, which passes up on the inside of the left sleeve and is then secured to the back of the conjurer's vest. Under the right side of the vest is concealed a white rose. After having exhibited the red flower, the performer with his right hand palms the white rose, meanwhile remarking that he is not satisfied with the color of the flower in his hand, and stating his intention of changing it. Turning his left side to the audience, he places the right hand, which contains the white rose, over the red flower, pretending to rub the latter gently. Under cover of this movement he allows the red flower to be drawn tip the left sleeve by means of the elastic, and a few seconds later exhibits the white rose, which, with his compliments, he presents to a lady.
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