r years past,
made me feel for the moment that I had been very cleverly hoaxed.

[4] In every instance the writing of Planchette has been copied
_verbatim_.

[5] The gray matter of the nervous centres, the precise nature of which
is unknown.

[6] "Outlines of Physiology."

[7] There is no doubt that spirit-writing is very ancient, China alone
furnishing sufficient evidence of the fact.

"Spirit-writing," says Taylor, "is of two kinds, according as it is done
with or without a material instrument. The first kind is in full
practice in China, where, like other rites of divination, it is probably
ancient. It is called 'descending of the pencil,' and is especially used
by the literary classes. When a Chinese wishes to consult a god in this
way, he sends for a professional medium. Before the image of the god are
set candles and incense, and an offering of tea or mock money. In front
of this on another table is placed an oblong tray of dry sand. The
writing instrument is a V-shaped wooden handle, two or three feet long,
with a wooden tooth fixed at its point. Two persons hold this
instrument, each grasping one leg of it, and the point resting on the
sand. Proper prayers and charms induce the god to manifest his presence
by a movement of the point in the sand, and thus the response is
written, and there only remains the somewhat difficult and doubtful task
of deciphering it...."--_"Primitive Culture." By Ed. B. Taylor. Vol. I.,
p. 133._

[8] The serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field; "Be ye wise
as serpents."--_Bible._

ALNASCHAR.

1876.

Here's yer toy balloons! All sizes.
Twenty cents for that. It rises
Jest as quick as that 'ere, Miss,
Twice as big. Ye see it is
Some more fancy. Make it square
Fifty for 'em both. That's fair.

That's the sixth I've sold since noon.
Trade's reviving. Just as soon
As this lot's worked off I'll take
Wholesale figgers. Make or break,
That's my motto! Then I'll buy
In some first-class lottery:
One half ticket, numbered right--
As I dreamed about last night.

That'll fetch it. Don't tell me!
When a man's in luck, you see,
All things help him. Every chance
Hits him like an avalanche.
Here's your toy balloons, Miss. Eh?
You won't turn your face this way?
Mebbe you'll be glad some day!

With that clear ten-thousand prize
This yer trade I'll drop, and rise
I