Somewhere, in a museum I think, but where I cannot recall, I have seen the paraphernalia of a flea circus, and acquired the "knowledge" that the equipment was glued to the little suckers. It was convincing. But the nearest I have come to seeing a flea perform was in one of Michael Bentine's shows, where each week his (wholly imaginary) tiny creatures would perform some amazing fleat. One would climb the steps of a diving board and jump into a minute container of water, with a splash. The one that really sticks in the mind was Hans und Wilhelm climbing the north face of the Eiger, with tiny squeakt commentary.

"Now ve will attempt the ice fall, Wilhelm." "Jawohl, Hans"

The machinery which showed their tiny footsteps, or bending ladder steps was fascinating.

Penny