THUNDER AND GROWTH. - It is a general belief in
country places that thunderstorms accelerate growth, as no other weather phenomena. The belief seems to be true, though it has exceptions. Artificial thunderstorms have been concocted, and it is proved that the vibrations stimulate growth more or less in proportion with the shape of the leaves or blades or spathes. Potatoes, for example, with more or less rounded leaves are apparently unaffected, while barley with its spikes round the ear, responds rapidly. This doubtless is not yet of any practical value to the cultivator. The effect of electric rays (also of ultra violet rays) is entirely practical, as proved in many places by many experimenters. A trial of the influence of light on bees has been carried through by Mr. Borlase Matthews and is at the worst suggestive. By illuminating a box connected with the hive two desirable consummations are reached. First, the mould or fungus which is a frequent form of disease is prevented. Second, the bees begin work • earlier in the year. The queen lays earlier, and so a strong hive is brought into being in time
to take advantage of the apple blossom, which (to the incidental advantage of the apple-grower) makes the best honey. I do not know how far control experiments have been carried, but Mr. Matthews, at any rate, is convinced that the average honey yield per hive is increased by as much as 17 lb. a season.
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