Miracles of Modern Magic
Harry Whiteley
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The Kari-Kari Bird Trick
by Chas. Trickey
FOR this exceptionally clever problem two cardboard cylinders claim our first attention. The largest cylinder is 9-1/2 inches long by 4-1/2 inches in diameter. The second tube is a trifle smaller, made to fit easily in the first cylinder, and provided at the top with a projecting hook of stiff black wire. This hook answers two purposes: it prevents the smaller cylinder from falling through the larger one, and, by engaging in a concealed wire bar fastened on the back of the birdcage, enables the conjurer to pull the outer tube free and leave the inner one behind , as occasion demands. The smaller tube has a bottom to it. Two tin covers or lids must be procured to fit either end of the largest cylinder. The birdcage used should be about 14 inches high, with wire top, front, and sides, and wood back. Inside the cage you have a live dove and a dummy head in the bottom. The smaller cylinder must be suspended by means of its hook on the back of the cage out of sight, the other tube, lids, and a glass tumbler being placed on the table. Now you are ready to present the trick.
Pass the cylinder and covers for inspection, and ask a spectator to place a lid on one end of the tube. Now take this cylinder, and pick up the cage to let the door be seen, and load No.2 tube from the back of the cage into the first cylinder, placing this straight away on the table. The cage is now opened, and the dove brought out in the right hand, which has also secretly palmed the dummy head. The dove is transfered to the left hand, and the conjurer appears to wring its head off. What really happens is this: The head is simply tucked under the bird's left wing and retained there by pressure of the fingers of the left hand, while the dummy head is exhibited in the right and then thrown on the table. The bird is now taken back in the right hand without the head being released, and, picking up the cylinder in the left, the bird is thrust head down into the tube. Now, as if to make more room, the cage is lifted from the table and placed on a chair. This is the most subtle move in the trick. The cage passes with an upward movement in front of the cylinder, and the inner tube is hooked on to the bar at the back, and left there. The second lid is now placed on the cylinder, and this stood on an inverted tumbler. Anyone may now step up and open the cylinder, when, of course, they find the "bird has flown!"
To conclude the trick a duplicate dove should be produced from the coat of a gentleman who stepped up to examine the cylinder. Doubtless some of our readers may prefer to dispense with the head wringing. This, of course, will not interfere with the effect.
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