tors of all times, and in practically all lands. In the
earlier days of the race, pieces of clear quartz or shining pebbles were
generally employed. Sometimes pieces of polished metal were so used. In
fact, nearly every object capable of being polished has been employed in
this way at some time, by some person. In our own day, the same condition
exists. In Australia the native sooth-sayers and magicians employ water
and other shining objects, and, in some cases, even bright flame, sparks,
or glowing embers. In New Zealand, the natives frequently employ drops of
blood held in the hollow of the hand. The Fijians fill a hole with water,
and gaze into it. South American tribes use the polished surface of black,
or dark colored stones. The American Indians use water, or shining pieces
or flint or quartz. Shining pieces of metal are frequently used by the
primitive races. Lang, writing on the subject, has said: "They stare into
a crystal ball; a cup; a mirror; a blot of ink (Egypt and India); a drop
of blood (the Maoris of New Zealand); a bowl of water (American Indians);
a pond (Roman and African); water in a glass bowl (Fez); or almost any
polished surface, etc."

In the present-day revival of interest in crystal-gazing among the
wealthier classes of Europe and America, some of the high-priced teachers
have insisted upon their pupils purchasing pure crystal globes, claiming
that these alone are capable of serving the purpose fully. But, as such
crystals are very expensive, this advice has prevented many from
experimenting. But, the advice is erroneous, for any globe of clear
quartz, or even moulded glass, will serve the purpose equally well, and
there is no need of spending twenty-five to fifty dollars for a pure
crystal globe.

For that matter, you may obtain very good results from the use of a
watch-crystal laid over a piece of black velvet. Some, today, use with the
best effect small polished pieces of silver or other bright metal. Others
follow the old plan of using a large drop of ink, poured into a small
butter plate. Some have small cups painted black on the inside, into which
they pour water--and obtain excellent results therefrom.

Above all, I caution the student to pay no attention to instructions
regarding the necessity of performing incantations or ceremonies over the
crystal or other object employed in crystal-gazing. This is but a bit of
idle superstition, and serves no useful purpose except, possibly, that