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Orange Tree Automaton Illusion by Robert Houdin
By Craig Smith

A Special Automatic Treat for the New Year

Hello,  Many of you might remember the MBSI national meeting in
Los Angeles in 1985 on the Queen Mary where the table favor was
a miniature version of the famous orange tree illusion.  In 1989,
we were in New Jersey and the entertainment was a wonderful magic
show arranged with the help of the Ryder family.  It included
a demonstration of the real orange tree illusion along with several
other priceless pieces of magic.

Today I happened across an item on YouTube which demonstrates the
orange tree illusion on a stage in England, I think.  It's nicely
done in a seemingly historic setting.

Here is the URL of the piece for your enjoyment --
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ht_afydffk&feature=related 

Another related piece is at
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bzNpEMsBUU8&NR=1 

Best wishes for the coming New Year!

Craig Smith - near Rochester, New York, where it's snowing and
rather chilly.

 [ This great illusion, "L'oranger merveilleux", was presented as
 [ part of the "Fantastic Evenings" by Robert-Houdin in his Paris
 [ theater in 1845.  -- Robbie


(Message sent Fri 1 Jan 2010, 23:01:40 GMT, from time zone GMT-0500.)

Key Words in Subject:  Automaton, Houdin, Illusion, Orange, Robert, Tree
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