344 TEACHING THICKS. 



most difficult feats with an ease and rapidity that is surprising. 

 He will go to any part of the ring, find and bring a handkerchief , 

 take it from his leg, or any part of his body, go lame, go right or 

 left, back, go ahead, sit down like a dog on either side, squeal like 

 a pig, roll over, walk and kick on his knees, put his ears back and 

 forward, kiss, with many other tricks, showing the greatest intel- 

 ligence and most skillful training. 



" He was not touched with a whip during the whole perform- 

 ance. The Professor simply stood at the center-pole, and talked 

 to him as he would to a boy. He is, without a doubt, the finest 

 and most remarkable performing horse in the world." Cleveland 

 Leader. 



"AN EXCITING INCIDENT. 



" Mr. Magner's tent is crowded daily to witness the perform- 

 ances of his wonderful ponies, and attend his lectures. One of 

 these beautiful ponies, among other amusing performances, will 

 throw any one from his back. Yesterday, when Tommy was 

 introduced, a crack circus-rider came forward to ride him for the 

 reward of one hundred dollars. Ho stated that he came to Buf- 

 falo to get the money, as he could ride Tommy, or any other horse, 

 as long as he pleased. At this turn in affairs, a general stir was 

 manifested, which culminated in the most intense excitement. It 

 was proved that no ordinary man could ride the cunning little fel- 

 low, as shown by his performances for weeks. But here was a 

 trained athlete, that could turn a somersault on a horse bare-back 

 without being thrown ; would it be possible to throw him ? There 

 were serious apprehensions that he could not. Mr. Magner stood 

 silent a moment, with the reserve characteristic of him, contem- 

 plating the intruder, as if to say, You may, perhaps, do it, but not 

 if I can prevent it ; while the other stood with folded arms, show- 

 ing the most perfect confidence in himself. 



" It was a scene worthy the brush of a painter. The immense 

 throng present were hushed into silence, waiting for the contest. 

 A signal brought Tommy upon a run. The whip was passed 

 around his nose quietly, when the athlete was invited to come for- 

 ward, who, disdaining help, lightly bounded upon the pony's back ; 

 but before he had time to say Jack Robinson, Tommy commenced 

 a series of gyrations that would astonish an Indian, and sent his 

 man fully six feet into the air. It was beautifully and grandly 

 accomplished; but would he, could he, do it again? 



" The trial was made, and, as before, the pony went into the 

 air with the quickness of lightning, and, after a little more pro- 

 longed effort, sent his man heavily to the ground. But the con- 

 test was not yet over. All the desperation that pride and confi- 



