324 



The Farmstead 



divides into several branches. This is because 

 it finds easy paths in several directions and 

 divides into smaller discharges, thus finally 

 disappearing. 



Protection from liglitning. 

 — Having noticed briefly 

 something of the nature of 

 lightning, the next point to 

 be considered is its control, 

 so that the dangerous effects 

 of a sudden discharge may 

 be avoided. It has long 

 been known that by repeat- 

 ing Franklin's experiment 

 and connecting the clouds 

 with the earth, dangerous 

 flashes of lightning can be avoided to some 

 extent ; and this fact has given rise to much 

 swindling on the part of the "lightning-rod 

 man," who has frequently imposed on the people 

 through their fear of the results of lightning 

 bolts. Any person of average intelligence, with 

 the knowledge of a few simple principles, can 

 put up a rod himself for the protection of his 

 barn or dwelling at a very reasonable expense. 



Fig. 132. 

 Meandering discharge. 



METAL ROOFS 



It has been noticed that metal roofs protect 

 buildings even when no lightning rods are used, 



