LION-TAMING AND MAGNETISM

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1601, 5 July 1887, Page 4

LION-TAMING AND MAGNETISM

Some 200 journalists were present on May 11 at tne Folies Bergere, where a sort of general rehersal wbb given of a seance of magnetism which took place In a cage containing two fine lionesses, SrfcU and Sarah, and an immense lion, Romular. The cage, says a correspondent, was placed on the stage, aud the lion-tamer, Giacometti, having entered it, he made the animals first perform m the usual way, but the grea; "Attraction was the entrance into the cs» s e of M. de Corey and his " subject," Mdlle. Lncia. This subjact is cot more than 2 ) years of age, plnmp, and what may be called plain. She was dressed m white, and had her hair hanging loose over her sbouldere. After presenting her to tho spectators, M. de Torcy told her to go Into a cage placed against the onn containing the lions and communicating with it by a doo*. He followed her m and made a few passes m front of her eyes. In a minute Luola seemed to be fast asleep. Opening the door leading into the lion's cage, M. de Torcy entered It, an i, m obedience to his order, was followed by his subject. She walked straight up to i he lions, which were kept m respect by Giacometti. Romulu3 ee?med to bb half asleep. Sarah appeared afraid, and only S?i ia kept on roaring. AT. de Torcy then made Lncia kneel down m front of the Urns. Her arms we?e ttr t:hed out towards them, and the expression of her countenance changed from that of *aton : shment to joy. "Roused op by Giacometti, the lious now began rushing and bounding rouod Lucia, who remained motionless. The lioness Said a was then made to stand oo her hind paws. While Giacometti held her jiwb wide open, M. de Torcy ordered Lucia to stand up and walk up to the formidable animal. The subjxt obeyed with the utmost compoßure. Two heavy arm-chairs were then put into the cage, and, asristed by the lion-tamer, M de Tcroy placed Lncia, who wbb row as rigidly Btiff as a board, wi'.h her head rising on the back of one and her fee* on tre back of the other. This was the barrier over which the lions were made to jump, with most formidable roiring. The gas o' "he nstabl'ahement was toraed low, Bengal fires were lighted, and the lions, urged on by Qiacometti's steal whip, reared loader ns they continued to leap over this of human fish Bud blood. From the beginning to the er.d there was something terrible m seeing the young woman, m a s.ate of unconsciousness, placa herself m what appeared imminent danger of being devoured, and tbe unpleasant feeling was considerably increased whoa at the last jump the lioncßs St'i la failed to o'ear Luci», and scut her roiling on tbe ground. She fell heavily, but remained iiert till M. de Torby waked her np by blowing on her forehead. On opening her eyes Locia appeared more astonished than frightened m findir g herself among the wild beasts. The performtnee was over, aDd Lucia. M. de Torcy, and Giacometti left the cage, and were greeted with hearty applause by the spectators. It is announced that the same mixture of lion taming and hypnotism ;s to form part of th,t» performance given nightly at the Folies Bert c re.