From the earliest ages the Magic Art has been highly popular among all classes; and, of its many marvels, Card Tricks, whether produced by sleight of hand, mathematical combinations, or mechanical means, are the most generally appreciated. Cards are to be found in nearly every home circle, so the prestidigitateur always has his principal tools at his finger ends. With them alone the most startling surprises can be caused, and the card conjurer has also the advantage of knowing that all his tricks may be appropriately performed in a drawing room, although some few cannot be effectively represented on the stage, owing to the distance by which he is divided from the audience.
While performing you must be an adept at "patter," or as the French call it, "boniment," for by its use you can effectually call the attention of the audience from your operations, and give them the impression that you are doing something entirely different. Another reason for not telling the audience what you are about to do is, if you fail you should be smart enough to finish the trick in some other way. If placed in an awkward position, invent expedients and display redoubled dexterity, and in the end the spectators will be led to believe that you have actually accomplished the feat aimed at through your coolness.
