FIRE EATERS.

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Volume 2, Issue 127, 3 July 1895, Page 3

FIRE EATERS.

The fire eaters are who now exhibiting in the.hall of the Olympia at Paris excel according to La Nature, anything of the kind that has been seen up to the present. They not only swallow flames but handle fire, and cause it to flash from their fingers. These fire eaters are two young Americans who have cultivated physics and elcctriciy considerably. When they perform their experiments they are clad in a tight fitting costume of a red colour, which represents that of the demons of fairy scenes. The stage upon which they appear remains but dimly lighted during the entire time of their presence thereon. At the back of it there is a piece of furniture that resembles an office desk seen from the rear, but no detail of this object is distinguishable. The. demons go behind it and Beem to make some'preparations with their bands, and then they come to the front of the stage and cause very tnin but brilliant flames to dart from their fingers. Bringing these flames near their mouths they seem to swallow them, and then extinguish them between their teeth. When they touch each other's hands a crackling is heard, and long flames dart forth for a few seconds from the tips of their fingers, which they continuously move. In a subsequent experiment, without putting anything in their mouths, they blow with energy and a brilliant flame makes its exit between their lips. They shoot forth a jet of flame which lasts for a considerable time. While these singular phenomena are occuring the spectators absolutely smell no odour. It is probable that the combustion is due to a very volatile essence, and this the fire eaters have promised to reveal after a lapse of a certain time.