ME. CBOOKES’ NEW PSYCHIC FOECE. 
361 
its neighbour. These horizontal strands of wire were then 
netted together firmly with string, so as to form meshes rather 
less than two inches long by one inch high.” Then, after all 
this care and trouble in preparation, this ingenious cage was 
not placed openly in the room, nor in any conspicuous place, 
but, to such a low level is scientific accuracy now reduced^ that 
it was actually placed under the dining-room table. No reason 
for this strangest of all strange positions is even hinted at, and 
can anyone cognisant of the meaning of true scientific research 
believe that he is reading of the experiments of scientific men, 
and those men Fellows of the Royal Society ? 
But to proceed. The apparatus being arranged, Mr. Home 
entered the room (one, by the way, which he is thoroughly 
acquainted with, as he had been present before “ on several 
occasions”), his toilet having been watched by Mr. Crookes, 
who, strange to say, seems to have believed him capable of 
“ secreting machinery, apparatus, or contrivances about his 
person.” We are not aware that even the most famous 
conjurors conceal apparatus about their person of such great 
size that anyone casually sitting in their bedroom whilst they 
are dressing could not fail to detect it — but then we must live 
and learn ! Mr. Home then sat down at the side of the table, 
with the cage between his legs, and taking the new accordion 
(specially purchased for this occasion) in his left hand between 
the thumb and middle finger, at the opposite end to the keys ; 
the bass key having been opened, it was placed in the cage 
with the keys downwards, and the cage was then pushed under 
the table as far as Mr. Home’s arm would permit, so that his 
hand was visible. Then the performances — we beg pardon — 
the “ scientific and crucial investigations ” began. As a 
scientific preliminary we are kindly told that the temperature 
of the room — a most necessary fact obviously to know — “ varied 
from 68° to 70° Fahr.” ! “ The accordion was soon seen 
waving about in a somewhat curious manner, then sounds 
came from it, and finally several notes were played in suc- 
cession,” and whilst this was going on Mr. Crookes’ assistant 
most obligingly looked under the table, and reported Mr. 
Home’s hand “ quite still,” his right hand resting on the table. 
From this promising beginning we are quite prepared to be 
told that “ presently the accordion was seen oscillating and 
going round and round the cage and playing at the same 
time,” and it was now Dr. Huggins’ turn to look under the 
table, and again Mr. Home’s hand was 66 quite still, whilst the 
accordion was moving about and emitting distinct sounds.” 
Were we dealing with really scientific experiments and not 
such as we are describing, we would ask how it was possible for 
Mr. Home’s hand to hold this moving accordion and yet be 
