WALKING ALONG THE CEILING. 313 



would be attached to it, and when the rope was detached 

 from the left foot, it would make a similar step, while the 

 right foot was pulled against the ceiling. These effects 

 might be facilitated and rendered more natural by attach- 

 ing to the body or to the feet of the performer strong 

 wires invisible to the audience, and by using friction 

 wheels, if a sliding motion only is required. 



A more scientific method of walking upon the ceiling 

 is suggested by those beautiful pneumatic contrivances by 

 which insects, fishes, and even some lizards are enabled 



to support the weight of their bodies against the force of 

 gravity. The house-fly is well known to have the power 

 of walking in an inverted position upon the ceilings of 

 rooms, as well as upon the smoothest surfaces. In this 

 case the fly does not rest upon its legs, and must therefore 

 adhere to the ceiling, either by some glutinous matter 

 upon its feet, or by the aid of some apparatus given it for 



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