MULTIPLYING THEATRES.
Place two pieces of looking-glass, one at each end, parallel to one another, and looking over, or by the edge of one of them, the images of any objects placed on the bottom of the box, will appear continued to a considerable distance.
Or, line each of the four sides of the box with looking-glass, and the bottom of the box will be multiplied to an astonishing extent, there being no other limitation to the number of images but what is owing to the continued loss of light from reflection. The top of the box may be almost covered with thin canvas, which will admit sufficient light to render the exhibition very distinct.
The above experiments may be made very entertaining, by placing on the bottom of the box some toy, as sentry soldiers, &c.; and, if these be put in motion, by wires attached to them, or passing through the bottom or side of the box, it will afford a still more entertaining spectacle. Or the bottom of the box may be covered with moss, shining pebbles, flowers, &c.; only, in all cases, the upright figures between the pieces of looking-glass should be slender, and not too numerous, else they will obstruct the reflected light.
In a box with six, eight, or more sides, lined with looking-glass, as above, the different objects in it will be multiplied to an almost indefinite extent.