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THE FLEA CIRCUS
By PROF. WM, HECKLER
Trained and performing fleas have entertained
the royalty of Europe centuries ago in an
antiquated form. This entertainment was called
the "Flea Theatre." Some years ago I determined
to make an improvement in this old time form of
amusement and by diligent study backed by skill,
patience and determination, Introduced the "Flea
Circus," I acquired my skill and patience
by building models of ships through necks of
bottles and making small trinket* during my
spare tine.
Being a lover of nature I have studied the
biology of fleas and other insects and am in a
position to answer any question that the study
way bring forth, Many people have studied fleas
but have not been able to handle them properly
and their efforts have ended in failure. It re
said that one of the late Rothschilds spent a
fortune on this interesting study •
finally gave up in despair. I am ready to
entertain the curious and pleasure seeking
public with an all star performance of trained
fleas in Circa* stunts.
TRAINING AND LIFE OF THE FLEA
The Bureau of Entomology of the United State*
Department o( Agriculture says there are
over 400 species of Fleas, The Human Flea (Pulex
Iritanas) being the only kind that ever has been
trained. They are very common in all European
countries but in the United States found only in
warm and sandy districts (like California).
The Flea is the most bloodthirsty creation, 'Tis
ever hungry. He draws the blood with a very
minutely formed instrument similar to a needle
point, which is located on his head, between two
small feelers, His since of hearing is marvelous
his eyesight keen; jumping is a habit
with fleas and the first lesson is to break them
from this habit. This is done by placing a very
fine gold chain around his neck and suspending
the flea, so he is able to rest his feet upon a
paper platform. At each jump he is forced to
lift the chain and soon will become gentle and
walk. A Flea can be taught one trick only and it
requires great patience and perseverance to
handle such a tiny insect.
There are many people who have fleas bat not
many people that have patience which is the
reason why there are very few Flea Trainers.
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