THE YOUNG SCIENTIST. 
21 
exact imitation of the under or concave 
surface of the cap, d, and the upper or con- 
vex part is painted so as to exactly resemble 
the ball when it is sitting in the cup of the 
base, a. Let us therefore suppose that all 
four parts are together. We lift olf the 
cap and the shell together, by taking hold 
of the edge of the latter. The ball is then 
seen in the cup. We remove it, replace the 
cap, and offer to ;pass the ball into the cup 
without taking off the cap. We then pre- 
tend either to drop it down from the top or 
to pass it up from beneath the table. The 
cap alone is now removed, leaving the shell 
in its place, and those present apparently 
see the ball in the cup. The cap is now 
replaced and an offer is then made to pick 
the ball out of a hat or pocket, or out of a 
lady's lap. The real ball is conveyed dex- 
terously in the hand, and exhibited at the 
required place; the cap and shell are then 
removed together, as at first, and the cup is 
found empty! 
Several variations may be made in the 
way of performing the trick, but under any 
•circumstances it is very difficut for the un- 
initiated to detect it, and to those who see 
it for the first time, and who are not accus- 
tomed to such things, it looks like a veri- 
table piece of diablerie. 
It is not very difficult to make, but re- 
quires patience and delicacy of touch, and 
we know of nothing which will serve better 
to improve the amateur turner than the 
making of this little apparatus. 
The Toad and its Habits. 
Formerly the toad was considered a ven- 
omous reptile, but in our days its habits 
have been more carefully observed, and its 
great value to the pomologist and gardener 
has been fully established, on account of its 
propensity for destroying insects, especially 
those injurious to vegetation. We should, 
therefore, sedulously cultivate the friend- 
ship and crave the assistance of the insect- 
iverous reptiles, including the snake, as well 
as that of birds. 
Every tidy housewife detests the cock- 
roach, mice, and other vermin. Two or 
three domesticated toads would keep the 
coast clear of these, and would be found 
more desirable than a cat, as they are 
wholly free from trespassing on the rights 
of man as does the cat. The toad is pos- 
sessed of a timid and retiring nature, loving 
dark corners and shady places, but under 
kind treatment becoming quite tame. 
Many instances might be cited of pet 
toads remaining several years in a family, 
and doing valuable service with no other 
compensation than immunity from perse- 
cution. All that is necessary to secure 
their co-operation, indoor or out, is to, pro- 
vide them with cool and safe retreats by 
day, convenient access to water, and they 
will go forth to the performance of their 
nocturnal duties " without money and with- 
out price." 
In Europe toads are carried to the cities 
to market, and are purchased by the hor- 
ticulturist, who by their aid are en- 
abled to keep in check the multiplication 
of the insect tribes which prey upon their 
fruits, etc. 
No one can study the anatomy of this 
reptile without being convinced of its per- 
fect adaption to the sphere which it fills in 
the economy of nature. Its tongue, which 
is capable of great elongation, is attached 
to the anterior portion of the lower jaw; its 
free end, when the toad is in repose, reach- 
ing down to the borders of the stomach. 
The moment the toad sees its prey, its eyes 
sparkle, its toes twitch, and quicker than 
the eye can follow, the insect is transfixed 
and conveyed to the stomach of the captor. 
— A writer in the English Mechanic says 
that the oil which he has found to remain 
longest fluid and free from acid, is neat's- 
foot oil, which has been carefully purified 
by hanging strips of lead in it, and expos- 
ing it to a strong light. Several weeks ex- 
posure to direct sunlight are required to 
accomplish this. Olive and other vegetable 
oils contain too much vegetable albumen to 
be suitable. 
