This is an amusing contrast to the lighting-up by means of magnesium; Again let the room be nearly darkened.  Put about a tea-cupful of spirits of wine in a strong common dish or saucer, and place the dish in the middle of the table.  Let every one approach to the distance of about a yard.  Then ignite the spirit with a match.  It will burn with a peculiar yellowish-blue flame, and in the light of this the human countenances, and all objects of similar color, lose their natural tint, and look spectral.  The contrast of the wan and ghostly hue with the smiling lips and white teeth of those who look on, is most amusing.  The effect of this experiment is heightened by dissolving some common table-salt in the spirit, and still further by putting into it a small quantity of saffron.  Let the spirit burn itself away.

THE BREATH OF LIFE.

[Illustration:  THE BREATH OF LIFE.]

Procure a tolerably large bell-glass, such as is used for covering clocks and ornaments upon the mantel-piece.  It should not be less than eighteen inches high, and eight or nine inches in diameter.  Provide also a common dish, sufficiently large to allow the bell-glass to stand well within its raised border.  Then procure two little wax candles, three or four inches in length, and stand each in a little bottle or other temporary candlestick.  Place them in the center of the dish and light the wicks.  Then pour water into the dish to the depth of nearly an inch, and finish by placing the bell over the candles, which of course are then closely shut in.  For a few minutes all goes on properly.  The flames burn steadily, and seem to laugh at the idea of their being about to die.  But, presently, they become faint,—­first one, then the other; the luster and the size of the flames diminish rapidly, and then they go out.  This is because the burning candles consumed all the oxygen that was contained within the volume of atmosphere that was in the bell, and were unable, on account of the water, to get new supplies from outside.  It illustrates, in the most perfect manner, our own need of constant supplies of good fresh air.  The experiment may be improved, or at all events varied, by using candles of different lengths.

ROSE-COLOR PRODUCED FROM GREEN.

Obtain a small quantity of roseine,—­one of the wonderful products obtained from gas-tar, and employed extensively in producing what are called by manufacturers the “magenta colors.”  Roseine exists in the shape of minute crystals, resembling those of sugar.  They are hard and dry, and of the most brilliant emerald green.  Drop five or six of these little crystals into a large glass of limpid water.  They will dissolve; but instead of giving a green solution, the product is an exquisite crimson-rose color, the color seeming to trickle from the surface of the water downward.  When the solution has proceeded for a short time, stir the water with a glass rod, and the uncolored portion of it will become carmine.