[4] In every instance the writing of Planchette has been copied _verbatim_. [5] The gray matter of the nervous centres, the precise nature of which is unknown. [6] "Outlines of Physiology." [7] There is no doubt that spirit-writing is very ancient, China alone furnishing sufficient evidence of the fact. "Spirit-writing," says Taylor, "is of two kinds, according as it is done with or without a material instrument. The first kind is in full practice in China, where, like other rites of divination, it is probably ancient. It is called 'descending of the pencil,' and is especially used by the literary classes. When a Chinese wishes to consult a god in this way, he sends for a professional medium. Before the image of the god are set candles and incense, and an offering of tea or mock money. In front of this on another table is placed an oblong tray of dry sand. The writing instrument is a V-shaped wooden handle, two or three feet long, with a wooden tooth fixed at its point. Two persons hold this instrument, each grasping one leg of it, and the point resting on the sand. Proper prayers and charms induce the god to manifest his presence by a movement of the point in the sand, and thus the response is written, and there only remains the somewhat difficult and doubtful task of deciphering it...."--_"Primitive Culture." By Ed. B. Taylor. Vol. I., p. 133._ [8] The serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field; "Be ye wise as serpents."--_Bible._ ALNASCHAR. 1876. Here's yer toy balloons! All sizes. Twenty cents for that. It rises Jest as quick as that 'ere, Miss, Twice as big. Ye see it is Some more fancy. Make it square Fifty for 'em both. That's fair. That's the sixth I've sold since noon. Trade's reviving. Just as soon As this lot's worked off I'll take Wholesale figgers. Make or break, That's my motto! Then I'll buy In some first-class lottery: One half ticket, numbered right-- As I dreamed about last night. That'll fetch it. Don't tell me! When a man's in luck, you see, All things help him. Every chance Hits him like an avalanche. Here's your toy balloons, Miss. Eh? You won't turn your face this way? Mebbe you'll be glad some day! With that clear ten-thousand prize This yer trade I'll drop, and rise Into wholesale. No! I'll take Stocks in Wall street. Make or break, That's my motto! With my luck, Where's the chance of being stuck? Call it Sixty Thousand, clear, Made in Wall street in one year. Sixty thousand! Umph! Let's see. Bond and mortgage'll do for me. Good. That gal that passed me by Scornful like--why, mebbe I Some day'll hold in pawn--why not?-- All her father's prop. She'll spot What's my little game, and see What I'm after's her. He! he!