The pieces are then all collected and some magic spirits thrown over the torn and cut parts; tie them in a small package with a ribbon and put them under a glass, which you warm with your hands.  After a few seconds’ time, you remove the glass, as you have held it all the time, and take the handkerchief and unfold it; everyone will recognize the mark and be amazed not to find a cut or tear in the texture.

This trick is very simple.  You have an understanding with some one in the company, who has two handkerchiefs exactly alike and has given one of them to a person behind the curtain; he throws the other, at the time of request for handkerchiefs, on the handkerchiefs held for use in the performance of the trick.  You manage to keep this handkerchief where it will be picked out in preference to the others, although pretending to thoroughly mix them up.  The person selected to pick out a handkerchief naturally will take the handiest one.  Be sure that this is the right one.

When the handkerchief has been torn and folded, put it under the glass, on a table, near a partition or curtain.  The table should be made with a hole cut through the top and a small trap door fitted snugly in the hole, so it will appear to be a part of the table top.  This trap door is hinged on the under side and opens into the drawer of the table and can be operated by the person behind the curtain who will remove the torn handkerchief and replace it with the good one and then close the trap door by reaching through the drawer of the table.

** The Magic Knot [198]

This is a very amusing trick which consists of tying one knot with two ends of a handkerchief, and pulling the

[Illustration:  Tying and Untying a Knot]

ends only to untie them again.  Take the two diagonal corners of a handkerchief, one in each hand and throw the main part of the handkerchief over the wrist of the left hand and tie the knot as shown in the illustration.  Pull the ends quickly, allowing the loop over the left hand to slip freely, and you will have the handkerchief without any knot.

** A Good Mouse Trap [198]

When opening a tomato or other small can, cut the cover crossways from side to side making four triangular pieces in the top.  Bend the four ends outward and remove the contents, wash clean and dry and then bend the four ends inward, leaving a hole about 3/4 in. in diameter in the center.  Drop in a piece of bread and lay the can down upon its side and the trap is ready for use.  The mouse can get in but he cannot get out.  —­Contributed by E. J. Crocker, Victor, Colo.

** Finishing Aluminum [198]

Rubbing the surface of an aluminum plate with a steel brush will produce a satin finish.

** How to Make a Sailing Canoe [199]

A canvas canoe is easily made and light to handle, but in making one, it must be remembered that the cloth will tear, if any snags are encountered.  Therefore such a craft cannot be used in all waters, but by being careful at shores, it can be used as safely as an ordinary sailing canoe.  Be sure to select the best materials and when complete cover the seams well with paint.