that in all five cases the number dreamt of was a high, i.e., a favourable one, and the dream no doubt would win more credence because of its good augury. But it is not quite so easy to be satisfied that the dreams last noted—of which three are reported as occurring in the same village, Eecloo, in the course of less than ten years—were due wholly to chance. It would certainly appear that there is a case for further enquiry here.[1]
We have a few cases of correct predictions made by professional mediums.[2] But here again, in view of the large number of predictions made under similar circumstances which are not fulfilled and are forgotten, it would be unsafe at present to count too highly the few shots which hit the mark.
We have numerous cases reported to us of unusual sights or sounds—animals, corpse-lights, Banshees, the death-watch—preceding a death. But the evidence in these cases is in its present state quite insufficient to establish any connection. One obvious defect in the symbolic dream or omen is that there is no intrinsic relation between the event and its symbol. Our own ancestors saw a connection between comets and disasters; and
- ↑ Even if the facts are admitted in these cases to be beyond the scope of chance, foreknowledge of the future, as Mr. Myers points out (Proceedings. S.P.R., xi., p. 547), is not necessarily involved. The guidance of a higher intelligence. gifted with clairvoyant powers, which should direct the dreamer's hand to the appointed number, would be a less incredible assumption. But until we have further information on such cases, it would be premature to pursue the speculation.
- ↑ A striking case will be found in Journal, S.P.R., March, 1901.
