Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. Much that is interesting might be 'told of the history of Playing Cards, and the various games of skill they provide, but it is questionable whether this would interest the conjuring fraternity, who, I have no doubt, would rather get on at once to the subject immediately under consideration. It may seem strange, but it is nevertheless true, that many really clever card conjurers never indulge in any game of skill with the cards and, from what has come under my notice, they are in many cases, ignorant of the laws governing the best known games. Perhaps it is well that this is so. Of all branches of sleight of hand, the manipula tion of cards is the one that deserves the most atten tion. The prestidigitateur who can perform a number Of tricks with an ordinary pack Of cards will be a welcome guest anywhere; and, as far as he is concerned, he has the satisfaction of knowing that the cards, and other small accessories required in the production of the various tricks are generally to hand in every household.
