Lights and shadows of spiritualism

346 MODERN SPIRITUALISM.is wholly concealed. The figure dwindles and dwindles, and theawed company see it by degrees growing "beautifully less." Atlength the whole of the robe is withm the cabinet.The mask, orgathered part which simulates the head, rests on the ground closeto the entrance. These masks, be it observed, are constructed toinflate or shrink together, as may become necessary.Should onebe employed, therefore, the "medium" has only to cause it tocollapse. Should the cranium supplied to the " materializedform " consist of some gauzy fabric gathered into a bunch, hesimply allows it to spread out on the floor, and then dexterouslydraws it towards him. In cither case the deception is complete.The head appears to have suddenly crumbled into nothing. Theaudience are enthusiastic with delight and amazement."But," it will be remarked, "we read often of the matcriaUzedform and the medium appearing together ;and appearing where nosecret ingress to the cabinet could exist, and confederacy was animpossible thing. Is not such a semice, however suspicious thecabinet and other surroundings may be held, a triumphant proofof the reality of materialization ? Can these occurrences beexplained on the theory of fraud '? "Easily enough. The medium (so-called) is perhaps seatedwithin the cabinet.The dummy which does duty as a materializedform he holds upright by his side ; or may even thrust it forwardto a position outside the curtains.And such puppets any impostorcan, with slightpractice, cause to bow, dance, and walk a step ortwo, in an exceedingly lifelike manner.Even should the performancebe clumsy it matters little, unless some sceptical spiritualist orinvestigator have place among watchers. Gnhemouches swallowwhatever is oflered to them, and strain neither at camels nor atgnats. I have myself sat as spectator at a seance where the facesdisplayed were simply so many masks presented before an aperture.I called the attention of a credulous spuitualist beside me tothe empty and eyeless sockets. His reply came promptly, andwith acertain triumph :— " The dear spirits have not had time tomaterialize the eyes." Is it surprising that cheats should be foundto practise on folly like this '?