hemselves how curious are the phenomena
revealed by scientific knowledge. Simple instructions are given for the
performance of a number of pretty experiments, all of which are
perfectly safe, and cost very little money. For "evenings at home," it
is hoped that these experiments will be found indefinitely amusing and
recreative, at the same time that they will lead the minds of boys and
girls to inquiries into the entire fabric of the grand sciences which
explains the principles on which they are founded. All the materials
spoken of, and all the needful apparatus, which is of the simplest and
most inexpensive kind, can be obtained at a good chemist's. It is of the
highest importance that all the materials be pure and good.

PARLOR SUNSHINE.

Obtain a yard of "magnesium tape" or "magnesium wire," sold very cheap
by most druggists. Cut a length of six or eight inches; bend one
extremity so as to get a good hold of it with a pair of forceps, or even
a pair of ordinary scissors, or attach it to the end of a stick or wire.
Then hold the piece of magnesium vertically in a strong flame, such as
that of a candle, and in a few seconds it will ignite, burning with the
splendor of sunshine, and making night seem noonday. As the burning
proceeds, a quantity of white powder is formed. This is pure magnesia.
While performing this splendid experiment, the room should be darkened.

CADAVEROUS FACES.

This is an amusing contrast to the lighting-up by means of magnesium;
Again let the room be nearly darkened. Put about a tea-cupful of spirits
of wine in a strong common dish or saucer, and place the dish in the
middle of the table. Let every one approach to the distance of about a
yard. Then ignite the spirit with a match. It will burn with a peculiar
yellowish-blue flame, and in the light of this the human countenances,
and all objects of similar color, lose their natural tint, and look
spectral. The contrast of the wan and ghostly hue with the smiling lips
and white teeth of those who look on, is most amusing. The effect of
this experiment is heightened by dissolving some common table-salt in
the spirit, and still further by putting into it a small quantity of
saffron. Let the spirit burn itself away.

THE BREATH OF LIFE.

[Illustration: THE BREATH OF LIFE.]

Procure a tolerably large bell-glass, such as is used for covering
clocks and ornaments upon the mantel-piece. It should not be less than
eighteen inches high, and eig