I 



FHOM LIGHTNING. 13 



(like a tree or spire,) will frequently dis- 

 charge a lightning-cloud; and then the 

 electric fluid nill pass down it, in its way 

 to the earth. 



Q. How can a TKEE or SPIRE DISCHARGE 

 a lightning-cloud ? 



A. A lightning-cloud (floating over 

 a plainj may be too far off to be dis- 

 charged by it; but as a tree, or spire, 

 would shorten the distance between the 

 cloud and its conductor, it might no 

 longer be too far off a conductor to be 

 discharged. 



Q. Is not air a CONDUCTOR of lightning ? 



A. No ; dry air is not a conductor of 

 lightning ; and therefore, the flash rends 

 it in twain, to get to some conductor. 



Q. Why would it be dangerous to stand near 

 a tree or spire, while lightning is passing down it ? 



A. Because the electric fluid (called 

 lightning) always rushes down the 

 outside of the tree or spire; and if any 

 one were standing near, might pass 

 through him, and kill or maim him. 



Q. Does lightning go through the inside or 

 outside of a tree ? 



C 



