Finally reading Testimony.

1885-1890

III

Social Life

6.

The 'show' consisted of some stuffed snakes
and some live ones in cages;
and a contrivance upon a frame of pine wood
in which were belts running over pulleys,
and upon the belts little blocks of wood--
images which would pass in review
by turning a crank.

There was a muslin screen in front
to keep the machinery hidden,
and persons admtited to the show
looked through a small opening.
A red light was thrown upon the screen
and, at a certain point,
the machinery would touch a trigger:
fire off a little cannon
and beat a drum.