( 240 ) 
April, 
CORRESPONDENCE, 
%* The Editor does not hold himself responsible for statements of fads or 
opinions expressed in Correspondence, or in Articles bearing the signature 
of their respe&ive authors. 
HAUNTED HOUSES.” 
To the Editor of the Journal of Science. 
Sir, — I used to read with a friend, a medical student in the 
surgery, after business hours, and at times indulge in a little 
private dissedtion upon small subjects. While so engaged one 
night we were startled by the private surgery bell, upstairs, being 
very violently rung. There being only the old housekeeper in 
the house except ourselves, and she had gone to bed some time, 
we were puzzled to account for it, as of course there was no one 
in the room when we went in. This went on for several nights, 
and always between 12 and 1 p.m. 
Not believing in ghosts we determined to watch, one upstairs 
and one down. Nothing occurred for some time ; the bell- 
ringing stopped. At last one night while my friend, who was 
upstairs, was watching, he saw several mice come out of a hole 
and run along the wire which ran across the passage-wall, thus 
causing the wire to vibrate the bell. 
Our work, the time, and regularity with which this occurred, 
would have made it a good case for a haunted house if the cause 
had not been discovered. — I am, &c., 
A, J. D. 
35, Lewisham High Road, New Cross, 
February 26, 1882. 
CRUELTY TO ANIMALS. 
To the Editor of the Journal of Science. 
Sir, — A t the request of my friends I write to correct you — if, in- 
deed it be worth while — in regard to the error under which you 
