THUNDER. 11 



Q. Why is a flash of lightning generally 

 followed by a POURING BAIN ? 



A. The cloud collapses, as soon as 

 the electric fluid has left it ; and the 

 water it contained is squeezed out. 



Q. Why is a flash of lightning generally 

 followed by a GUST of WIND ? 



A. The flash rent the air asunder 

 through which it darted ; and when the 

 two parts collapse, a rapid motion is 

 produced, which we call wind : the 

 vibration of the thunder contributes also 

 to agitate the air. 



Q. What is meant by the " VIBRATION of the 

 thunder ?" 



A. The quivering motion it gives to 

 the air, by its loud sound. 



Q. Why is there NO THUNDER to what is 

 catted SUMMER LIGHTNING ? 



A. Because the lightning-clouds are 

 so far off, that the sound of the thunder 

 is lost, before it reaches the earth. 



Q. Do THUNDEE-BOLTS ever drop from the 

 clouds ? 



A. No; the notion of thunder-bolts 

 falling from the clouds, arises from the 

 globular form, that is sometimes assumed 

 by a flash of lightning. 



