THE EFFECTS OF A FLASH OF LIGHTNING. 79 



traces visible on the highest or most considerable points of the 

 trees. All are, apparently, first struck at some point considerably 

 below the highest point presented either by the tree or branch struck, 

 or by some other one near it. Another point, too, is that in almost 

 every instance the first visible striking point is on a dead branch 

 or limb. Then as to the visible effects ! In some of the instances 

 there is the clearest evidence of a force acting from inside and 

 throwing off bark, splinters, and shreds, while in other instances 

 the appearance is as of a force passing over and striking here and 

 there in its passage. Then there is the tearing and furrowing of 

 the ground between the trees Nos. 4, 5, and 6, with no visible 

 connection with the damage done to those trees; and the up- 

 turning of the clods at the base of the trees. And a noteworthy 

 point, also, I think, is the luminous steamy appearance enwrapping 

 the whole area for so considerable a time after the flash. That 

 this was simply an electric light is, I think, clear. There is no 

 appearance of burning or scorching on any of the trees. I may say 

 in regard to the highest points struck being some distance below 

 the highest points presented by similar objects in the immediate 

 neighbourhood, that 1 have noticed this to be invariable in every 

 instance (and those pretty numerous) that I have ever observed in 

 the striking of trees, whether in England or abroad, unless the tree 

 happened to be a solitary one. And in most (but not all) instances 

 the largest tree was the one left untouched. An old friend of mine, 

 of great outdoor experience as a naturalist, has all his life followed 

 this rule whenever caught out of doors in a thunderstorm, to put 

 himself immediately underneath the largest oak tree near. I will 

 not say that I agree with this so far as to have followed this rule, 

 but I certainly believe that a human being walking over an 

 exposed place, with no trees near, in a thunderstorm, is in far 

 greater danger than in walking quietly through a country where 

 there are many trees of all sizes near ; and that large trees are 

 certainly not specially inviting to the discharge or conveyance of 

 electric currents. I hope some one present will be able to give us 

 some scientific theory which may embrace and account for the 



