128 SCIENCE OF COMMON THINGS. 



Sound lender in a church than on a plain. Haunted bouses. 



805 Why does sound seem louder in a church or hatt than on a plain t 



Because the sides of the building confine the sound- 

 waves, and prevent their spreading ; in consequence of 

 which their strength is greatly increased. 



SOS How can most of the stories in respect to the so-called "haunted 

 houses' 11 be explained ? 



By reference to the principles which govern the 

 reflection of sounds. Owing to a peculiar arrangement 

 'of reflecting walls and partitions, sounds produced by 

 ordinary causes are often heard in certain localities at 

 remote distances, in apparently the most unaccountable 

 manner. Ignorant persons become alarmed, and their 

 imagination connects the phenomenon with some super- 

 natural cause. 



