e 
160 On the Causes of the Tornado, or Water Spout. 
tance from that of New Brunswick. He conceives that the phe- 
nomena all concurred to demonstrate an “inward motion from all 
directions towards the center of the tornado, and an upward motion 
in the middle.” These statements of Mr. Espy are confirmed by _ 
Prof. Bache. 
One fact of some importance has not been mentioned by Mr. Espy, 
which was observed by persons who were upon the ground, during 
or soon after the catastrophe. I allude to the partial withering of the 
foliage of those small trees or shrubs which, from their suppleness, 
were like the reed in the fable, neither uprooted nor overthrown. 
This unpleasant effect was perceptible when I visited the scene. 
ch leaf was only partially withered. As it would be inconceiva- 
ble that mechanical laceration could have thus extended itself equa- 
bly 
the foliage, a surmise may be warranted that the change 
was effected by the electricity associated with the tornado. 
Concluding Remarks, by the Author of the Article. 
IT ought, perhaps, sooner to have acknowledged that I am aware 
that it has often been suggested that water spouts might be caused by 
electricity ; but the conjecture has not, so far as my information goes, 
been heretofore supported by any satisfactory explanation as to the 
mode in which such a tremendous power could arise from that source. 
That I am warranted in this impression, will, I trust, appear evident 
from the circumstance that two of the most distinguished among the 
late writers in the department of science to which the subject belongs, 
seem to admit, or to demonstrate, their inability to afford any expla- 
nation. I allude to Pouillet and Despretz. 
In his treatise on meteorology, Pouillet introduces two narratives 
respecting tornadoes, which were analogous in every essential point 
to that of New Brunswick. Especially the existence of an hiatus is 
proved by the allegation that the walls of prostrated houses were 
thrown dewn outwards. A laborer was first urged forwards, in the 
next place lifted, and lastly overthrown. 
The Jearned and ingenious author concludes with these remarks. 
“Comment cette puissance, quelquefois si prodigieuse, peut-elle pren- 
dre naissance au milicu des airs? C’est une question, il faut de dire, 
a — la science ne peut faire aucune réponse précise. De toutes 
les conjectures vagues et hasardées, que l’on peut faire sur l’origine 
de ce météore, la moins invraisemblable est peut-étre celle que le 
regarde comme un tourbillon d’une excessive intensité. Mais une 
