METEORIC RIVERS OR WATERFALLS. 383 



wind, even a little earlier than the commencement of the 

 rain in Hollidaysburg. I have not been able to learn in what 

 direction the wind blew either on the north or south of the 

 storm. At Hollidaysburg itself the wind was not remarka- 

 ble; many could not even recollect that there was any 

 wind; but several recollected some strong puffs, and also 

 that the rain beat into their houses on the north east side. 

 Many also remarked, and pointed out to their friends at the 

 time, how strange it was that the clouds seemed to touch 

 the ground, and to meet each other from the north and 

 south. These phenomena were particularly noticed by 

 many citizens of Hollidaysburg. 



Hollidaysburg, June 19th, 1838. 



193. Four o'clock, A. M., rain falling in torrents; light- 

 ning flashing with but little intermission; long and loud 

 peals of thunder, with an occasional clap, that makes the 

 earth tremble; wind from the east increased until five 

 o'clock, continued, with little variation, until seven, when 

 the wind ceased, and about half an hour after, it ceased 

 raining. 



WM. HETHERINGTON. 



.lexandria, Huntingdon Co., 20 miles > 

 east of Hollidaysburg, ICth Feb. 1839. > 



JAMES P. ESPY, ESQ., 



SIR, In answer to your inquiry, respecting the weather 

 on the night of the 18th, and morning of the 19th June. 

 On the night of the 18th June, about nine o'clock, the wind 

 north east, very dark clouds from all points concentrated in 

 a north west direction from this place, with a constant glare 

 of lightning and thunder. Commenced raining here about 

 two, A. M., and continued until daylight, not remarkably 

 hard. On the morning of the 19th June, a gentle breeze 

 from the west, air warm cleared off about nine, A. M. 



Most respectfully yours, 



CHARLES PORTER. 



