_Transference of Mental Pictures._ The next three narratives are interesting as illustrating three different stages in the externalisation of visual impressions. In the first case, which is quoted from the _Proceedings of the American S.P.R._ (pp. 444, 445), the impression seems to have been almost of the nature of an illusion--_i.e._, the idea emerged into consciousness only when a somewhat similar image was presented to the external organ of vision.[88] No. 45.--From MR. HAYNES. In a letter to Mr. Hodgson, Mr. Haynes writes:-- "BOSTON, _June_ 25, 1887. "The name of the prisoner alluded to has passed from my recollection. He belonged in East Boston, and was sentenced for life for an assault upon a woman. I think he was pardoned some years ago, but am not certain about it. He had but one child, a boy about five years old, who always came with his wife to visit him. He seemed very fond of the child, always held him in his arms during the visit, and showed a good deal of feeling at parting. "The following is an account of the affair made at the time:-- "'The following very singular incident I can vouch for as having actually occurred. I refer to it, not to illustrate a supernatural or any other unusual agency, as I am a sceptic in such matters, but as a remarkable instance of hallucination or presentiment. "'I received a message from the wife of one of our convicts, in prison for life, that their only child, a bright little boy five years old, was dead, he having accidentally fallen into the water and been drowned. I was requested to communicate to the father the death of the child, but not the cause, as the wife preferred to tell him herself when she should visit him a week or two later. "'I sent for him to the guard-room, and after a few questions in regard to himself, I said I had some sad news for him. He quickly replied, "I know what it is, Mr. Warden; my boy is dead!" "How did you hear of it?" I asked. "Oh, I knew it was so; he was drowned, was he not, Mr. Warden?" "But who informed you of it?" I again asked. "No one," he replied. "How, then, did you know he was dead, and what makes you think he was drowned?" "Last Sunday," he said, "your little boy was in the chapel; he fell asleep, and you took him up and held him. As I looked up and caught sight of him lying in your arms, instantly the thought occurred to me that my boy was dead--drowned. In vain I tried to banish it from my mind, to think of something else, but could not; the tears came into my eyes, and it has been ringing in my ears ever since; and when you sent for me, my heart sunk within me, for I felt sure my fears were to be confirmed." "'What made it more remarkable was the fact that the child was missed during the forenoon of that Sunday, but the body was not found for some days after.'