Experimental investigation of the spirit manifestations, [electronic ...

296 ADDITIONAL CORROBORATIVE EVIDENCEwith ii rapidity of motion inconceivably astounding, blowing a trumpetwith deafening blasts at times, or beating a tamborine or some other instrument.149G. One of the exhibitions represents a spirit hand during this circuit,beating a tamborine, there being a piece of sand-paper with phosphoruson it, which they use for illuminating the hand. I saw them beginthe work and complete it.The hand was small and delicate, and flew allover the room with something like the rapidity of light on a broken surfaceof water, frequently snapping the fingers, and stopping often near tomyself and others, that we might see itto full advantage.1497. Another hand, which I could not see, touched me, but I took holdof it. It seemed as if covered with buckskin.1498. The spirits are now contriving a plan to exhibit in the light. Theysay that light destroys the conditions necessary by their present system,even that evolved by the phosphorus rendering the operation very difficult.1499. It appears evident that spirits to be seen with material eyes areobliged to materialize themselves, or else spiritualize our vision; and thesethings have been done repeatedly.1500. I have not yet seen them write. I have heard them talk andplay on many instruments by the hour. There is a base and tenor drumon which they perform with such violence, that it is almost deafening attimes, and the whole house resounds till it shakes throughout. Some ofthe music is seraphic, especially when they speak with the harmonicon,when it is more unearthly in its character than I should have been able toimagine.1501. The spirit houses are distinct buildings of one room, dark asErebus, and rather lonesome places, in this wilderness.I have, nevertheless,obtained permission to sleep on the floor each night in one : and duringtwo of those nights I have been favoured with faint music on thedrums. Last night, from the moment I extinguished the ilght, drummingwas continued throughout the night, accompanied by a. few notes on theviolin.1502. The spirit said last night, ^'I can't play a bit," but, nevertheless,he played some things delightfully.This was a new performer, who hadsent word he would perform this night, and that he was a German.1503. One spirit attempted to sing through the trumpet, but could notmake music ; after each failure he would stop a minute, and then, verygood-naturedl}'', say, ^' I will try again." This he did several times, whenhe added "What shall I do for you, if I can't sing?" He at lengthtook up an accordeon, and succeeded better on that ; but I presume didnot suit himself, as he would exclaim every once in a while, '' Oh, dear I"very despondingly.1504. The efibrt the spirits make to manifest themselves is very great,