THUNDER AND LIGHTNING.
[TO THE EDITOR 07 THE " SFECTATOR...1
Sra,—Experts, no doubt, will give scientific and reasoned answers to the two questions arising out of " A. F. P.'s " letter in last week's Spectator. Meanwhile I will attempt to reply on the strength of sixty years of—perhaps superficial— study, not, indeed, of the nature of that form of electricity recognised as lightning (of which I firmly believe no one as yet knows anything at all), but of the application of the laws which it seems to obey. As to the windows closed, it is no doubt the fact that the glass screen thus provided, by adding to insulation, tends to safety ; much, however, depends on the existence and direction of currents of air, which may act as conductors of the intense disruptive force contained in a spark from the overcharged cloud. So I should venture the opinion that if "A. F. P.'a " windows and doors fit tightly, and the " register" of his fireplace can be closely shut down, he will be practically safe at the window. Otherwise some spot absolutely out of draughts would be a better
vantage-ground. As for the editor's chimneys, we, his readers, who regard his safety as a matter of national concern, would advise going on with lightning-conductors carried well above the highest point of his roof or chimney, although it is probably true that a neighbouring church-steeple, a more lofty house, or even a few very tall trees near by would —especially in a thunderstorm which is accompanied by rain be b3 an adequate protection. Still, let us take a leaf from the Prime Minister's book, and " wait and see " what the
sc'entists say.—I am, Sir, &c., F. E. BAINES. South Kensington, S.W.
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