Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1851-07-05
From the American Courier.

GREAT SHAWL FEAT This wondrous feat
in Natural Magic, as performed by Prof An
derson, Is said to be the most wondrous extant.
On one occasion, at the Castle of the Duke
of Argyle, Blair Arthol, in Scotland, at which
place were visiting the Queen of England
and large concourse of mobiles, the Profess
sor was sent for to give his grand and extra
ordinary entertainment, and was requested
to exhibit the great shawl feat.
When the Professor entered the room, his
commanding appearance was the admiration
of the party; his noble bearing and handsome
form struck every one with astonishment.
He commenced series of almost miracu-
lous tricks, without any other aid than that
afforded by the room.
The shawl feat was eagerly looked for, and
the Professor borrowed a most beautiful and
costly one of Cashmere, from the Duchess
of Sutherland. He handed the shawl to a
gentleman, and desired him to place mark
on it, one that could not be mistaken; in
short, he took pair of scissors, and cut a
! large piece from the centre. The Duchess
was quite alarmed for her rich Cashmere,
but was assured it was not much injured.
The piece was placed in small bag, and
handed TO the Queen for safe keeping; and
request was made by the Professor, for
some person in the room to name where the
shawl should be found, but stated that it must
be within ten miles round, no matter where,
within that space. After many surmises it
was agreed to select-a most extraordinary
place-the centre of truss of hay in the
centre of the Dukes hay loft. The party
choosing this remote and unexpected place,
was the young Lord Cover, and all laughed
at the absurdity and utter improbability OF
such thing. The Professor was informed
of the place, and then asked the gentleman
for the shawl, with its great piece wanting
from the centre, and then folded it up in a
large sheet of wrapping paper, and tied it up.
He placed the package in the centre Of the
room, in the midst of the party, with re-
quest that it might be narrowly watched
but not touched He then desired the Queer
to select four from the assemblage to go tc
the hay-loft, and bring the shawl, if it was
thereof course every one laughed ane
thought it absurd, hut the Professor saie
that the shawl had left the package, ant
awaited the committee in the hay-loft; whith
er they went and brought back the shawl tC
the great astonishment of the assemblage
who were delighted, except the Duchess
who still greived at the destruction of the
shawl. The Professor begged her pardon
and regretted exceedingly his having neglect
ed so far that part ofthe feat. viz, the res
toration of the piece; at which he took the
shawl and got the piece from the Queen
and folded it up. He then requested tha
the Queen and Duchess should each take
hold Of the folded shawl, which they did, ant
on being desired to open it, to their astonish'
ment and delight, found the piece restored
and the shawl in its original state. The,
were, of course wonder-stricken, and ex
pressed their satisfaction; but one thing still
was wanting to satisfy them, which was
what the package on the floor contained
The Professor opened it, and took out
most beautiful lot of choice boquets, fresh a
from the garden, and handed them round
The Professor was afterwards induced I
show one of the roblemen how to perform
the shawl feat, for which he received flOOO
This is a most extraordinary feat, ant
should the Professor exhibit here, no doub
he will meet with great patronage.