Country Life
TUE DODIR OF THUNDER.
A thunderstorm may be a very terrible thing. As some of us looked at one of the latest over a broad grass field a crash and a flash, as nearly as may be, coincided. It suggested the stroke of doom ; and it was the stroke of doom. In the midst of the field were six cattle in a group, four of them calves, and two yearlings. The whole, number fell. A second later the four calves were on their feet, but the two elder bullocks lay still. They were killed instantly, and when I went out to see if any signs of life were left, I could see none, and I could see no sort of injury. Countrypeople cannot resist any form of drama ; and presently a procession of men, women and children came to see. Then, and then only, the calves seemed to feel that something terrible had happened ; and they too came up and stared at the two poor victims. There is a local belief that half-way up a hill is the most dangerous place. I have no belief in the theory, but these cattle were just half-way up and, as it happens, two of three blasted oaks that I know are also half-way up the slope. On this subject has anyone ever made out why the oak, which is not generally tall and pointed, is much more liable than the elm? In a recent storm two oaks and one telephone pole were struck, but no elm, though the species is as 5 to 1 at least.
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