Page:The Naturalisation of the Supernatural.pdf/46

28 where her description was not definite enough to please her. She did this before seeing my drawings. We have made in all seven attempts, besides two where I had no impression of any kind. Out of these seven, in two cases H.'s visualisation was not clear enough to enable her to draw anything, and in these two cases I failed completely. In one case there may have been a connection between my impression and H.'s mental picture; the four remaining cases I will describe in detail.

(a) My description was as follows:

Darkish centre, perhaps brown; light or white side pieces; like an odd-shaped chandelier or a gigantic white butterfly. Most conspicuous vivid blue background, as if the object were seen against a bright blue sky. My drawing is reproduced on the Plate, marked P. 1.

H.'s picture in her own words:

Ship leaving Port Gavin, very tall, brown central mast, white sails—the whole showing against a brilliant blue sea, with dark brown rocks on one side. For H.'s drawing, see Plate, fig. A. 1.

She had seen this on the Cornish coast, when on a visit without me, and had been struck with the beauty of colouring. She was disappointed at my not seeing the rocks.

(b) My description:

Fat insect—no, child—child with its back to me, and arms and legs stretched out; colour reddish brown in the centre; shiny bright head, very solid body. (See Plate, fig. P. 2.)

H.'s picture:

Baby—in a passion, standing in the corner with his face to the wall.

The child in question had very shining, bright hair, much brighter, as H. said, than his frock, which was white (not brown). He stood with legs and arms outstretched.

(c) My description:

Large globe on the top of a pillar—base indistinct—cannot see colour of globe; it is light, has reflection, is dazzling and